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Multi-Purpose Equestrian Complex Feasibility Study

MAK Planning and Design Pty LtdABN 41 892 553 822 | www.makplanning.com | [email protected]

August 2014

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This feasibility study was prepared by:

MAK Planning and Design

ABN 41 892 553 822

4/16 Natasha StreetCapalaba Qld 4157

PO Box 5249Manly Qld 4179

Ph: (07) 3102 7121Fax: (07) 3102 4819Mob: 0468 630 591

[email protected]

Maranoa Regional Council

Multi-Purpose Equestrian Complex Feasibility StudyAugust 2014

© 2014 COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER

This Feasibility Study has been prepared for the benefi t of, and use by the Maranoa Regional Council (the Client) in accordance with the terms of the engagement. This Feasibility Study must not be used for any other purpose, or by any other party, nor is the Study to be made available to any other party without the prior written consent of the Client. No part of this document may be reproduced in part or full without the prior, written permission of the Client.

All statements, projections and opinions expressed in this Study are given in good faith and have been prepared in reliance upon our own observations and consultation and upon information that has been provided to us throughout the planning process. Future projections are based upon the data, representations, assumptions and estimates provided to us. The Client indemnifi es MAK Planning and Design Pty Ltd (which includes its consultants) against any and all claims against the Client or MAK Planning and Design Pty Ltd by reason of any information omitted or false information included in this Study.

The contents of this Feasibility Study have not been independently audited. As such, the Client assumes the entire risk related to its use of this Study. MAK Planning and Design Pty Ltd does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the contents of, or projections in this Study and disclaims any and all warranties, whether express or implied, including (without limitation) any implied warranties of merchantability or fi tness for a particular purpose. In no event will MAK Planning and Design Pty Ltd be liable to the Client or to any third party for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special or exemplary damages or lost profi t resulting from any use or misuse of this Study.

All intellectual property in the processes and methodology used to create this document, together with the design of graphics, symbols and defi nitions contained in this document is the property of MAK Planning and Design Pty Ltd and is protected by Australian and international copyright laws.

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M A K P L A N N I N G A N D D E S I G N

F E A S I B I L I T Y S T U D Y — M U L T I - P U R P O S E E Q U E S T R I A N C E N T R E

Table of Contents

Section 1: Executive Summary and Recommendations 1Executive Summary 1Recommendations 1

Section 2: Purpose and Outcomes 3Purpose of the Feasibility Study 3Outcomes 3Method Summary 3

Section 3: Background Research 5Maranoa Region 5

Council’s Planning Framework 5Demographic Snapshot 5Easter in the Country 6Climate Statistics 6Bulk Earthworks 7Literature Review 7Trends in Major Recreation Venues 8Covered Arenas 8

Section 4: Consultation and Benchmarking 9User Groups 9Peak Body Groups 10Government Agencies 11Gill Brothers 11Maranoa Regional Council 11Benchmarking 12Kalkadoon Stadium (Buchanan Park) Mount Isa 12Capella Covered Arena 14Cloncurry Equestrian Arena 16Dalby Showgrounds Covered Arena 18Dalrymple Arenas (Charters Towers) 20Queensland State Equestrian Centre 22Toowoomba Showgrounds 24Learnings from the Benchmarking 26

Section 5: Management Options 27

Section 6: Financial Analysis 29Capital Costs 29Revenue and Pricing 29Event Usage 30Sources of Funding 30Operational Cash Flows 32

Section 7: Design Information 35

Alternate Designs 35Architect’s Brief 37Staging 37


F E A S I B I L I T Y S T U D Y — M U L T I - P U R P O S E E Q U E S T R I A N C E N T R E 1

Section 1: Executive Summary and Recommendations Council and community support whereas for the high cost, complex facilities the support found was less emphatic.

• The lower cost centres did not proactively promote their facilities and they were comfortable with that approach.

• Hire fees for all facilities did not reflect the cost of the facilities and seemed to be quite random in their scaling.

A Multi-purpose Equestrian Centre at Roma could be managed in a number of ways, All the benchmarked centres, except Buchanan Park at Mount Isa, were managed by their owners. At Buchanan Park, Mount Isa City Council has placed the management of the facility, along with other Council owned venues, into a company owned by Council in the hope of a better operational result. This feasibility study believes that Maranoa Regional Council is best placed to manage the Multi-purpose Equestrian Centre in the initial years given the existing expertise at Bassett Park.

The capital cost of the facility is substantial. However, it is a facility that can be built in stages as funds are secured. Stage 1 may cost in the order of $2.5—$3.0 million given the recent experience at Cloncurry. This would give a functional facility, without a roof and relying on the use of some portable buildings until permanent facilities can be established. With Council and user groups applying for various funding schemes the remaining elements can be constructed over time.

An analysis of the operating cash flows found that the facility could break even but to do so does require some effort on Council’s behalf, particularly in attracting a major sponsor and selling advertising signage within the venue. If Council makes only token efforts to market the facility then an operational defi cit is likely.

The benchmarking and discussions with Peak Bodies and others suggested that there are alternate designs that need to be considered by Council and the Maranoa community than that proposed in the Bassett Park Master Plan. Two alternate designs have been prepared. The alternate designs are similar to the Charters Towers and the new Cloncurry facility with the arenas separated by a public viewing and seating mound. It is felt that this design will better accommodate the crowds and atmosphere evident at the Easter in the Country Rodeo.

A strong message that came from peak bodies and promoters was to make the venue as multi-purpose as possible to achieve the greatest viability. To achieve this put only essential items under the arena roof and as far as possible make them relocatable.

Recommendations1. That the Maranoa Regional Council continue to pursue

establishment of the proposed Multi-purpose Equestrian Centre, perhaps in stages if budgets do not allow its full development initially, given the strong community and sporting organisation support.

2. That Council prepare further detailed plans for the development of the Multi-purpose Equestrian Centre including:

− detailed planning and development of design specifi cations including a bulk earthworks plan

− a business and marketing plan with detailed fi nancial projections

− a detailed operational and management plan including policies, procedures and operational systems

− relevant planning for development approval.

3. When undertaking detailed design of the Multi-purpose Equestrian Centre it would be benefi cial for the design team to lead a delegation of user representatives on a fi eld trip to inspect similar facilities in other locations and meet with

management and Council representatives to discuss the pros, cons and operational issues of each facility. Facilities at Cloncurry and Charters Towers would probably provide the most benefi t to the design team.

4. Request Ergon Energy to provide a report on the availability of electricity to the site, whether a transformer upgrade would be required, and the costs to extend power to the camping area.

5. Begin applying for government grants to supplement Council’s resources so that the master plan can be implemented in full, or in stages, and as quickly as possible. Work with user groups to obtain smaller grants to achieve some of the outcomes of the master plan.

6. Initiate discussions with potential naming rights sponsors for a signifi cant contribution towards the capital cost of the facility.

7. That management of the facility, at least initially, resides with Council and with the existing Bassett Park outdoor team undertaking the daily running of the facility. After several years of operation, and when Council understands all aspects of the facility, then other management models can be considered if desired.

Executive SummaryThis feasibility study has found that there is no publicly accessible covered arena between Dalby and the border with NSW and the border with the Northern Territory. There is a large area and a signifi cant population that could be serviced by a covered arena at Roma.

The population, demographics and climate of the Maranoa Region suggest that it is an ideal community in which to develop a Multi-purpose Equestrian Centre.

All current user groups and relevant peak bodies were asked for input into the study. Without exception, all supported the facility and believed that it will be well used. The oft heard comment from local groups though was that “it needs to be affordable”.

Peak body groups were excited and believed that the facility could attract signifi cant regional, state and national events. The Equestrian Federation of Australia (Qld) made the point that if a cross-country eventing course was established on the McPhie Street site then all three Olympic events can be provided1.

While there may be signifi cant demand to access a covered arena and other quality equestrian facilities there are signifi cant capital costs in creating the venue and there are operating costs that need to be recouped.

In order to better understand the design, management, operations and marketing of covered arenas seven centres were visited and benchmarked for this study.

Some of the key learnings from this exercise (others are listed on page 26) found that:

• The high cost, complex centres (i.e. Mount Isa, Queensland State Equestrian Centre (QSEC) at Caboolture and Australian Equine and Livestock Centre2 (AELEC) at Tamworth) required their Council owners to signifi cantly fund their operations each year.

• The lower cost, less complex centres at Capella, Charters Towers, Dalby, Toowoomba and Cloncurry probably also required a subsidy but the amount is signifi cantly less and not considered a burden on their respective Councils.

• The lower cost, less complex centres enjoyed signifi cant

1 Equestrian competitors at the Olympics compete it the three disci-plines of (show) jumping, dressage and cross-county eventing

2 AELEC was not actually benchmarked but some information was provided by a senior manager in Tamworth Regional Council with operational management responsibilities for the venue



Section 2: Purpose and Outcomes

IntroductionMaranoa Regional Council engaged MAK Planning and Design to prepare a feasibility study for the Multi-Purpose Equestrian Centre as detailed in the Bassett Park Master Plan 2013.

Purpose of the Feasibility StudyMaranoa Regional Council determined that the purpose of this feasibility study is to provide:

• a clear understanding of the demand for the proposed Multi-purpose Equestrian Centre

• projections of operating costs with reference to comparable centres

• ideas for further development of the concept plan as contained in the Bassett Park Master Plan

• recommendations that enable Maranoa Regional Council to consider the development with confi dence in a well-researched document.

OutcomesThe outcomes from this feasibility study have been:

• engagement with relevant Councillors and Council staff to inform the project and pass on learnings to the Council

• a summary of salient recommendations from previous relevant reports and studies

• analysis of current and likely future demand for the Multi-purpose Equestrian Centre

• benchmarking of comparable facilities as well as smaller and larger facilities analysing aspects such as management, fees and charges, event operations, marketing, arrangements for support facilities etc

• through benchmarking and discussion with specialists a refi nement of the current concept plans to provide a detailed architect’s brief incorporating best practice including indications of how the project may be staged

• discussed likely funding sources and partnerships in both

Inception Meeting and Project Management

Review of Existing Documentation

Bulk Earthworks

Benchmarking

Competitor Analysis

Easter in the Country

Bassett Park Advisory Group

Local User Groups

Peak Sporting Bodies

Gill Brothers

Management Models

Funding Sources

Financial Analysis

Architects’ Brief

Redraw Models and the Master Plan

Draft Feasibility Study Report

Feasibility Study Presentation

Feasibility Study Review

Finalisation

Stage 2: ConsultationStage 1: Establishing the Current Situation

Stage 3: Developing the Feasibility Study

On-going Project Management

the public and private sectors

• discussed possible management models and benefi ts of each option, and recommended a preferred option

• through consultation established the likely local organisation usage, facility needs, event program etc

• through consultation with appropriate peak bodies established the major events that may be available

• through consultation established major event needs from a spectator, operator and facility manager point of view

• estimated indicative high, medium and low scenario operating costs over fi ve years

• prepared a fi nal report including research fi ndings, recommendations, rationale, operational costs, funding sources and suggested management arrangements.

Method SummaryThe methodology employed in this study is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Methodology employed in delivering the Multi-purpose Equestrian Centre Feasibility Study



Section 3: Background Research

Maranoa Region1

The Maranoa region is located in south west Queensland approximately 480km west of Brisbane. The region covers an area of 58,830km2 and is home to approximately 13,000 people.

The region maintains a proud and productive rural industry which in more recent years has been complemented with industrial expansion in the energy and tourism sectors.

The town of Roma, with an approximate population of 6,950, is the dominant urban centre and acts as the region’s primary hub for commerce, education, health, transport, government, retail and fi nancial services.

Also located in the region are the towns of Injune, Mitchell, Surat, Wallumbilla and Yuleba which act as important community and retail centres that service the immediate needs of residents located in their close proximity.

1 Information taken from Council’s website www.maranoa.qld.gov.au

Council’s Planning FrameworkBassett Park Master PlanThe Bassett Park Master Plan was developed in 2013 and adopted by Maranoa Regional Council in December 2013 as the guiding document for the development, and redevelopment, of Bassett Park over time and as funds allow.

The Bassett Park Master Plan recommended the development of an equestrian complex on the McPhie Street land to the north of Bassett Park. A concept image can be found at Figure 2:

The Master Plan described the Equestrian Complex as:

“The proposed covered equestrian arena will support a wide variety of horse sports including rodeo, cutting, roping, dressage, and rider training. The facility will also support the campdrafts.

Demographic SnapshotThe following information has been extracted from Council’s Maranoa Community Plan 2020.

Area• 58,817 km2 or 3.4% of the total area of Queensland.

Population• 13,313 (2010) with a projected population increase to reach

14,791 by 2031.

Age Distribution• 23.7% of the population are aged 0 to 14 years

• 11.8% of the population are aged 15 to 24 years



• 12.3% of the population is aged 65 years and over.

Cultural Diversity• 7.4% of the population are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait

Islander origin

• 3.6% of the population were born overseas

• 18% of the population speak English as a second language.

Households• 32% Couples with children households

• 28% Couples without children households

• 9% One parent family households

• 25% Lone person households

• 6% Other households.

Business Count• 2,226 businesses in operation

• 98% small businesses (employing less than 20 people, including non-employing businesses)

• 2% medium businesses (employing 20 or more but less than 100 people).

The building is a simple structure with low maintenance levels. It is little more than a large shed at approximately 88m x 52m. The Arena itself is 80m X 40m as drawn.

Seating within the Arena for approximately 1,500 people has been drawn on the plan including the temporary seating at the western end. The building envelope allow for more seating if required i.e. an additional row could be added.

The floor is covered with sand and advice from the manager of the Toowoomba Indoor Arena is that it never needs replacing.

The sides of the building are left open though slats or louvres for rain protection are provided. Yards for horses and cattle would be developed on the northern side.

The building would have lights and a sprinkler system to suppress dust.

A canteen and toilets is provided for spectators.

A warm-up arena is shown on the northern side of the covered arena.

The one way road allows side loading trucks to drop or pickup cattle at the yards attached to the covered arena and, for stock used in campdrafts, to pick them up from the eastern end of the campdraft arena.

The campdraft arena is approximately 10m longer than the existing campdraft arena inside the race track and is now a standard size. Lights are provided for night and early morning competition on the campdraft arena.

A camping area is located on the eastern side of the drainage gully. Open stables for up to 100 horses need to be provided as well as electricity and water points (20-25) with four electrical outlets at each. A bar and unisex toilets and showers are provided

A storage building (six-bay) is provided for user clubs”.

The concept drawings shown in the master plan are early sketches. Detailed design of the Multi-purpose Equestrian Centre is required if and when Maranoa Regional Council proceed with this development.

Following this Feasibility Study an alternate design has also been proposed that embodies some of the learnings from the benchmarking, consultation and user experiences garnered through this feasibility study (see Section 7).

Figure 2: Concept design for equestrian complex at Bassett Park

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Workforce & Volunteers• Current Labour Force: 8,349 (June Quarter 2010).

• Unemployment Rate: 2.2% (June Quarter 2010) compared with Queensland’s rate of 5.7%.

• 26.8% of persons aged 15 years and over actively volunteer. Comparatively, Queensland recorded a volunteer percentage of 18.3%.

Gross Regional Product (GRP)• $1,103 million estimated GRP (2008-09)

• $140.9 million value added activity by agriculture and forestry industries (2008-09)

• $359.8 million value added activity by the mining industry (2008-09).

The Maranoa region has the characteristics that could support a facility such as the Multi-purpose Equestrian Centre. Aspects of the population such as:

• rural based local government

• strong rural economy

• relatively young population

• high employment

• strong record of volunteering.

suggest that the recreation setting is right for such a facility. This is of course further supported by the existing equestrian facilities and organisations in Roma and the region.

Easter in the CountryDuring the course of preparing this study the consultants attended, as part of the Easter in the Country Festival, the:

1. Bull Ride (18 April, 2014)

2. Roma Night Rodeo (20 April, 2014).

No record appears to be kept of attendances as no tickets are issued at the entrance gate nor is any other receipting process apparent.

As such, to gain an understanding of the crowds that were watching the events in the arena photographs were taken of the crowd so that they could be counted.

Photographs were taken between 7:30pm and 8pm at both

events. These times were considered as times when crowd numbers are likely to be at, or near, their peak.

A count of the crowd from the photographs suggests a viewing crowd of:

• Friday Night Bull Rides: 301 seated, 585 on Eastern Bank, Total 886 (approximately)

• Sunday Night Rodeo: 650 seated, 970 on Eastern Bank, Total 1,620 (approximately).

These fi gures are approximate and they only measure those watching the event at the time.

There are various sideshows, food and drink stalls and merchandise tents that some people would have been attending at the time. Some people would also have been at the toilet or otherwise not within view of the Arena.

ObservationsWhile attending the event it was observed that much of the crowd was enjoying a good social event; a great night out with family and friends. For many people the events in the Arena were just one element of their evening; mixing with friends and family, sideshows, merchandise stalls, takeaway food and alcohol (Sunday only as Friday night is “dry”) were part of the experience. Many people on the embankment had their own seats or a blanket, children were running around having fun and people were able to move freely.

As an observation consideration needs to be given to whether these people want to be confi ned into formal seating and, if that was the only alternative, this would reduce their attendance at the event.

Interestingly, the same comments were made by a competitor in Cloncurry and various local residents in Mount Isa about Buchanan Park (Kalkadoon Arena). The thrust was that there needs to be a mix of formal seating and informal areas in the western communities. The event is only part of the experience and mixing with friends and relatives in a social setting is just as important.

Given this feedback this study has, in Section 7, proposed an alternative design that provides for a mix of formal and informal seating that needs to be considered before proceeding to fi nal design.

Climate StatisticsA covered arena can provide most benefi t by protecting participants and spectators from either very high temperatures, typical of summer and rain events, again, most typical of summer but present during the year. Two graphs have been prepared from Bureau of Meteorology data collected at Roma Airport since 1985.

Figure 3 graphs the highest temperature in each month plus the mean (average) temperature for each month. The mean temperature for fi ve months a year—January, February, March, November and December is above 30oc with top temperatures above 40oc in all the same months as well as October. With such high temperatures over 5-6 months of the year the roof structure will provide much appreciated shade to users and spectators.

Figure 4 graphs rain events during the year. There are three levels of rain events with the fi rst, being at least 1mm of rain, the second and third records rain events—rain up to 10mm and rain above 25mm per day—both of which could seriously affect a public spectator event.

Again, the wettest days are in the summer months. In March, April and May, when the Easter in the Country events are likely to be held there are about three rainy days where at least 1mm of rain falls. In each of these three months there is about one day when more than 10mm falls and about one day every two years where that fall of rain exceeds 25mm.

For the Easter in the Country Event protection from the rain is probably the most important as the event is an evening event so protection from the sun is less important. While rain is infrequent in these autumn months it does occur and when it does, can have a signifi cant affect on the cash flow of the Easter in the Country Event.

Figure 3: Temperature as recorded at Roma Airport since 1985 (degrees Celsius)

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Figure 4: Rain events recorded at Roma Airport since 1985 (days)

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Estimated Cut and Fill Volume: Approximately 6,429.5 cu.m..

Figure 5: Levels and boundary of cut and fi ll analysis

Bulk EarthworksThere is no survey plan with contours for the proposed site and the available GIS is too coarse to provide any accuracy.

As there is some concern about the cost of the earthworks for the complex, but mostly, for the campdraft arena, MAK Planning and Design undertook to provide a rough estimate of the quantum of earthworks with a “ball-park” costing provided by NJ Civil.

Levels were taken across the area using a 20m by 20m grid to establish the rise and fall relative to a control point. An indicative bulk earthworks assessment has been prepared and can be found at Figure 5.

The analysis indicates that a volume of approximately 12,858m3 has to be moved with half of it (6,429m3) cut, pushed across the site and compacted in the “fi ll” zone.

NJ Civil has provided an estimate of approximately $260,000 plus GST for the earthworks which would include:

• clearing the site and removing timber and rubbish off-site

• temporary erosion and sediment control

• temporary barricading of the site

• stripping topsoil for later use

• cut to fi ll ,mixing and compaction and shaping

• dust suppression

• as constructed drawings.

Literature ReviewA review of reports and information and Council plans, policies and other documents relevant to Bassett Park has been undertaken, with the key points being summarised below.

Maranoa Community Plan 2020The Maranoa Community Plan 2020: Pathways to our future is “a plan which identifi es community needs, long term visions, aspirations and priorities. The plan has been developed by the community for the community and sets the strategic direction for the Maranoa Region for the next ten (10) years”1.

The Plan is the result of extensive community consultation which resulted in the development of a community vision with resultant strategies and actions. The Plan identifi es seven interconnected priority planning themes:

1. Community Life2. Active Healthy Community3. Naturally Sustainable Environment4. Community Place Making5. Maranoa on the Move6. Foundations for the Future7. Progressive, Inclusive and Strong Local Leadership.

The Bassett Park Master Plan, and the improvements suggested to the venue, will contribute to realising, at least in part, many strategies

1 Quote from the Mayor’s Message (page 4)

and actions. However, it most directly contributes to Strategy 2.2 which reads:

“By 2020 together we will positively contribute to community well-being through the provision of a diverse range of sport-ing and recreational opportunities, facilities and open spaces for all residents which encourage active lifestyle sporting and recreational opportunities, facilities and open spaces for all residents which encourage active lifestyle options and high levels of participation and facility utilisation.”

Action 2.2.2 under the above Strategy has been a strong influence on the master plan for Bassett Park. It reads:

“Establishment of quality shared sporting and recreational facilities including the development of master plans and op-portunities for local club shared management and operation”.

Implementation of the master plan, with improved facilities that can support regional and higher level competitions, will also assist the community in realising Action 2.2.4—”Maximise the utilisation of sport and recreational infrastructure and resources through partnering opportunities and event attraction”.

Maranoa Regional Sport and Recreation StrategyThis Strategy, prepared in 2009, considered the sport and recreation priories across the Maranoa Region.

Recommendation 11 in the Strategy considered the next steps for Bassett Park and in summary, these included:

• Bassett Park was recognised as a signifi cant expense for Council with unsatisfactory levels of return i.e. Council expected greater use of Bassett Park—more people, more often—given the annual expense to its budget.

• It was recognised that Bassett Park may have commercial potential that was not being realised, particularly around the events such as horse racing sports, animal sports (rodeo, campdraft etc.) and large area events such as caravanning and festivals.

• The Strategy noted that there was, particularly in Roma, support for a multi-purpose covered arena for equestrian, rodeo and similar sports.

• The size and type of facility being discussed was very large ($11 million in 2009) and being managed as a second tier facility to the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre located in Tamworth (NSW).

Pre-Feasibility Study—Indoor Multi-purpose FacilityCouncil commissioned this report in 2008 after a consortium of Maranoa residents presented a concept for establishing an indoor multi-purpose facility in Roma.

The pre-feasibility study reviewed the proposals being presented to Council which were three facilities comprising a:

1. four thousand (4,000) seat indoor arena with an 80m x 40m arena floor

2. stock selling ring for 750 people

3. new campdraft facility with stabling for 120 horses.

It should be noted that funds at the time only allowed a pre-feasibility study and not a full feasibility study.

The study examined various equivalent centres in Australia including AELEC in Tamworth, Sydney’s SIEC and the State Equestrian Centre at Caboolture (Moreton Bay Regional Council).

The report reviewed capital and operating costs of other centres and found that in most cases they cost more to build than budgeted and returned less revenue than projected. In most cases the local Council was forced to make up the shortfall. Once the complex is built, and this scenario eventuates, then Council is left with an ongoing annual shortfall that reduces the revenue it has for other needs in the local government region.

The conclusions to the report suggested that a more modest centre than proposed to Council, with seating around 1,500 with a capital cost of $10 million (2009 prices) may be viable if it:• attracted 130 event days per year averaging more than 300

paying attendees• full cost pricing that reflected the real costs of operating the

venue was used• the venue had low event and fi xed operating costs• all capital costs were met by grant and not by loan (which

would have to be repaid).

The report noted that if any of these conditions were not met than the facility would likely require supplementary funding to cover budget shortfalls.

Despite the risks the report did note that there was a gap in the market for a second tier facility offering an outback experience, such as envisaged by the local community, that fell between the international centres and the “large sheds” that many

8

communities are creating. However, there is always a risk that some other community will also develop such a facility and draw some events away affecting the viability of the Centre.

Trends in Major Recreation VenuesMAK Planning and Design, through numerous studies in recent years, has observed the following industry trends in relation to showgrounds and major sport and recreation venues:

• Showgrounds are increasingly being redeveloped as venues that support a range of community functions.

• New facilities are often more flexible so that they can adapt to different user requirements as well as events of differing sizes.

• Asset management is important and designs that are low maintenance make the facility more viable.

• Councils and facility managers are being proactive in securing events. It is no longer appropriate to sit and wait for a booking. Events are being secured or new events are being created. Tourist authorities, businesses, sport clubs and community organisations are leading the way in this regard.

• Contemporary expectations of facility quality, as well as legal and code requirements, demand a higher standard of facility than has been provided, or accepted, in the past.

• Caterers are requiring larger and more sophisticated kitchens to meet legislative requirements controlling food handling and food storage.

• Storage requirements, car parking and public amenities are a key component of facility design.

• Exhibitor utility requirements are increasing for services such as communications, lighting, audio and power.

Covered ArenasAs part of the design process for the covered arena a number of facilities were visited while others were researched (Buchanan Park in Mount Isa is not technically a covered arena but an interesting alternate example).

What is immediately obvious is the wide range of designs, architecture and support facilities. There is no Australian Standard or Sports Code that dictates the size of the facility, quantity or quality of any support facility or embellishment that is typical for nearly all other sporting codes.

At the end of the day the facility needs to be able to host the expected events but in other respects it needs to be designed by local people as a facility that is within the community’s ability to support and maintain. As the design for the covered arena moves forward into the detail phase it will be important to involve the user sports and Council staff to develop a facility that is suited to the Roma and Maranoa context.




Section 4: Consultation and Benchmarking

User GroupsRegional User Groups

Maranoa Team Penning and Maranoa Team Ropers

A single meeting was held with these two groups as they have similar facility needs and are closely allied in their sports.

The Team Penning (Penners) are the bigger of the two organisations. Under the Team Penners’ insurance they are allowed fi ve events per year plus the Charity Rodeo. The fi ve events that are held are all local events (other clubs are not invited) and may attract 20-30 people being a mix of adults and children.

Team Penners charge $8 per run. The cost of an average day is in the order of $100/ person so there is little scope to put more fees on top of this.

The Maranoa Team Penners hold the Charity Rodeo through the Queensland Rodeo Association. The event planned in 2014 will be the second time the event has been held. The fi rst event had a limited program whereas the 2014 event in September will have a full program. Organisers expect a crowd in the order of 1,000 to attend. The event will be a day/ night event.

The Maranoa Team Ropers are allowed fi ve events under their insurance but they do not usually hold that many. This year, 2014, may see three events being organised. Each event lasts 4-6 hours.

An average day costs in the order of $150/ person to compete. Again, the organisers would not like to see fees adding signifi cantly to that cost.

The Maranoa Team Ropers generally also hold some cutting schools during the year. There is no set program for these and they respond to demand or opportunity.

Maranoa Equestrian Club

The Club has about 50 members (from 8 years of age) and while a covered arena would be good for the sport it, in itself, is not likely to attract many more members to the Club.

The following comments were made by executive members of the Maranoa Equestrian Club about the master plan or the initial phases of any development:

• for competition, a turf surface is actually preferred for the dressage1 and show jumping. However, the sand arena

1 The Equestrian Federation of Queensland were surprised by this comment and said it is not typical of the vast majority of competitors across Queensland

surface may grow new sports such as western dressage2 and harness sports

• for dressage competitions access to three arenas is required. They can be different surfaces but each competition (say an age division) uses just the one surface so that all competitors use the same surface. The main arena could be one surface, the warm-up arena another with a third being set out on the campdraft arena

• In 2014 the Club will run four, maybe fi ve, one-day events. The Club also runs a day in conjunction with the Roma Show in May. Additionally the Club will also run 5-6 clinics each year. These are usually over two days—a weekend

• an essential requirement would be stallion stalls—fi ve initially

• 100 open stables are also required but could start with about 25

• space is required for about 25 vehicles with trailers initially but growing to up to 50 eventually

• access to power or a canteen for light refreshments that the Club brings themselves

• all current events are one-day duration but feel that the Club may be able to run a two-day event once per year

• the indoor arena would be of benefi t in running a clinic as it offers protection from the sun and rain. Clinics would not be threatened with cancellation because of bad weather

• would like access to a storage unit to store the Club’s trailer

• feel that there could be some market for people travelling with horses and needing to stable overnight—perhaps 4-5 per week.

When asked about a reasonable hire fee the Maranoa Equestrian Club nominated about $250 per day with individuals having one stable each. However, there was recognition that it they compete away they need to pay for stables (e.g. at Gatton and QSEC).

Roma Campdraft Association

Only one event is held per year—in September. Should the Roma Campdraft Association (RCA) be able to secure a national fi nal

2 Western Dressage is defi ned as using classical dressage concepts and principles to train and develop the western rider and horse. It is used to improve the stock horse and develop a well-rounded, disciplined horse regardless of its breed.(http://westerndressageuniversity.org)

that would be an additional event. Hosting a national fi nal is not just about securing the event. For the event you need to be able to provide the cattle, and a national fi nal may require up to 2,000 head. Up to 800 cattle need to be accommodated for a regular event (though not all are present at one time).

Gravel roads are preferred within the venue over bitumen roads as it is a more stable surface for horses. So while the master plan shows bitumen roads, from Roma Campdraft Association’s perspective, gravel is preferred which should lower the cost somewhat.

The Association is still supportive of an arrangement that uses temporary yards under the Arena roof, providing shade to workers, competitors and stock and assisting in meeting WH&S and animal welfare concerns, if that is the fi nal design

From the Association’s perspective the covered arena building “can wait”. Must haves in the initial stages are, apart from the obvious yards and campdraft arena:

• power and water

• all weather gravel roads

• toilets and showers

• canteen and bar at the arena

• PA system

• Secretary’s and Announcer’s Box with power.

The master plan, as shown, does not have enough camping points and there is some concern that the area available may not be big enough. Camping could be provided on the racecourse if a temporary road closure was allowed for the duration of an event.

When asked about a reasonable hire fee the RCA suggested about $500 per day.

Roma Show Society

The Roma Show Society is unlikely to use any facilities envisaged in the Equestrian Precinct. The Society holds events on the Show Arena and usually camp in the grassed area adjacent to the existing day stalls. This location provides convenient access to the Show Ring but does have poor toilet and shower facilities for competitors.

The camping facilities to be developed with the Equestrian Arena, despite offering superior facilities, are considered too far away to be used by the competitors. Competitors may have multiple horses and associated gear that require them to move back and

10

forth to their camp location during the day and extra distance, as well as crossing McPhie Street, is considered too diffi cult.

Easter in the Country

The Easter in the Country Committee organise a large program of events over Easter and have been doing this since 1983. The Rodeo is considered the third biggest in Queensland behind Mount Isa and Warwick Rodeos.

From 2015 the APRA sanctioned rodeo will be managed by the Easter in the Country Committee along with Gill Brothers.

The Committee have signifi cant expenses in organising the rodeo (e.g. the hire of the LED screen alone is $16,000) and a bout of wet weather can create fi nancial diffi culties for the organisation. A covered arena would mean that the rodeo event is less susceptible to weather events.

When asked about a reasonable fee the Easter in the Country Committee representative suggested they would be willing to commit to a three day hire of the venue at $1,000/ day.

Section 4: Consultation and BenchmarkingSection 4: Consultation and Benchmarking

Peak Body Groups

Australian Campdraft Association

The Australian Campdraft Association (ACA) is the only one of the relevant peak body associations that is physically located in Roma. In fact its location at 134 Northern Road is opposite the stables on Bassett Park.

The Association’s presence in Roma and near to the site for the proposed Equine Complex is fortuitous as it will make using the complex easier for the Association’s staff and volunteers.

The ACA noted that the sport is growing in membership and they currently have in the order of 9,500 members.

At present the Association relies on local associations to host practice days, schools and clinics. This can sometimes mean a lack of training in the program where there is demand for an event but no association has nominated the hosting of a suitable training event.

A suitable facility in Roma such as proposed for Bassett Park would provide an opportunity for the ACA to host events where there is unmet demand—particularly in the categories of youth, starters’ and judges’ clinics.

The National Finals are held annually and Associations bid to the National Body to host the event. The event is not held in a fi xed location.

The new Multi-purpose Equestrian Centre would be a suitable venue for the National Titles and the ACA would be keen to see it return to Roma, particularly given that the fi rst ever National Titles was held in Roma many years ago.

The National Titles are held over four days and approximately 400 people attend (1,000 nominations). Roma could expect to host the National Titles every 5—10 years if it was supported by the local Association and the cattle could be sourced.

There is a dinner held as part of the Titles with about 400 people attending. If it was being held at the new equine complex on Bassett Park the dinner would most likely be held in the covered arena once the floor had been rolled and compacted.

Australian Professional Rodeo Association

The Australian Professional Rodeo Association (APRA) reviewed the concept plans and made the following observations:

• The facility must not be built for any one sport such as rodeo. It must be as multi-purpose as possible so that it is used frequently and not only for the occasional big equestrian event. APRA said to think laterally about events and even suggested two—beach volleyball and a wood chopping series. APRA also mentioned that a ten10 cricket (a variation of twenty20 cricket) match was played on the Mount Isa arena surface.

• Placing the chutes on the short side is acceptable and probably desirable.

• When the facility is built it would be possible for Roma to bid for the National Titles and APRA would welcome the bid as Roma would be a good community to support the Titles. Bids are annual but APRA could work to provide a three year contract as well.

• There are no state titles (or have not been for many years). Organisers though are able to develop ideas for an event and lodge it (the State Titles could be one idea) with APRA for approval.

• The minimum size for a barrel racing course is 38.45m x 70.5m. This is the largest rodeo event space and would fi t in a 40m x 80m arena.

Queensland Rodeo Association

The Queensland Rodeo Association sent a letter of support after viewing the master plan. To quote a section of the letter:

“We certainly support the proposal to build this complex as a much needed facility for Roma and District with the prospect of many functions being able to be held with facilities availa-ble of this standard. Roma is a highly desirable centre for our Association, being a central point for our members”.

The Association went on to offer their services in reviewing plans at the detailed design stage.

Equestrian Federation of Australia (Queensland)

The Equestrian Federation of Queensland (EFAQ) were excited to see the master plan for Bassett Park and the Multi-purpose Equestrian Centre.

They made the point that the closest covered arena was at Dalby, some 260 kms to the east and then nothing to the west. As such it fi lls a void in the facility map in South-West Queensland.

The EFAQ said that the preferred dressage arena surface is indoor sand. The ten schools that they run each season at QSEC are well over-subscribed because it is indoor and on sand. Another aspect of using an indoor sand surface is to get horses used to the surface and environment so when they go to competitions at indoor venues they are used to the environment.

EFAQ made the point that Bassett Park could be a full equestrian complex as it has showjumping on Bassett Park and, with the re-establishment of the eventing course on the McPhie Street land3, being able to offer the third Olympic discipline. There are very few eventing courses in Queensland with most in South-East Queensland or along the coast e.g. Yepoon and Maryborough. The closest courses to Roma are at Warwick and Toowoomba.

There is the potential to capture events but the issue is having enough stables. EFAQ rules dictate that all horses need to be stabled. A regional inter-school carnival (currently held at Dalby) could be attracted as there are no long term contracts. A regional inter-school carnival would need approximately 120 stables while a State Inter-school Carnival would need in excess of 300 stables.

3 There is an old eventing course on the McPhie Street land established by the Pony Club many years ago. It has been allowed to fall into disrepair. It could not be salvaged but there is probably suffi cient land for a one or two star course.



Government AgenciesNational Parks, Sport and Recreation Services

The South West Offi ce of Sport and Recreation Services was consulted on the project, ostensibly to understated if the project would be eligible for Queensland State Government funding.

At present the funding schemes are for minor facilities. However, it is expected that a new grant scheme for higher level competition facilities, with a signifi cant grant level, will be released shortly.

While the detail on the scheme is not yet known it is likely that most, if not all of the facility would be eligible. Items that sometimes cannot be funded are temporary fences, car parks and equipment.

If the project could establish links to flood-proofi ng then that would help its chances during assessment.

Gill BrothersThe Gill Brothers are professional rodeo organisers able to provide stock, yards, chutes, food vans, entertainment rides, as well as organise and manage events.

Eddie Gill provided some comments on the Multi-purpose Equestrian Centre as developed in the master plan as well as some observations from other places:

• A successful venue must be as flexible as possible and not purpose-built for any one activity. Minimising the amount of infrastructure within the roofed area is the fi rst step in making it as multi-purpose as possible. Make sure the building meets the needs of all the equine disciplines and also as many non-equestrian events as possible.

• Animal welfare will become increasingly important and will result in demands to re-engineer many existing venues. Plan ahead and consider animal welfare issues in the design stage.

• Chutes at one end of the Arena (as Roma has now) are actually preferred to chutes on the side (most other venues). If the facility is to have permanent chutes and yards they suggested that the designers call on the services of a professional to review the plans (as he has seen many designs and some that have injured or killed stock).

• Keep facilities tight. At the Australian Equine and Livestock

Events Centre the facilities are too spread out. For example stock are unloaded a long way from the arena and then need to herded down long laneways through public areas to the venue.

• In Roma the atmosphere at the rodeo is “country and family oriented”. Don’t lose that. Design the facility so that children and people can move around if desired as well as providing some seating for those that want that.

• The design of the bar is important but to keep the families attending you need to be able to separate the children from the intoxicated people. Overall the family will spend more than the person at the bar, so for event viability you need to be attracting the families.

• Dalby Equestrian Arena works well as it is open and is very flexible. Having no yards (adjacent to the arena) or chutes allowed the gill Brothers to set up the venue to “run a good rodeo”. They did not need to work within the existing structures.

• Consider space for vendors close to the building. They contribute to the event through their participation plus through fees they pay back to the promoter. If they are too far away they will not make much money and so will not return in future years or will have less to contribute to the promoters.

The Gill Brothers offered their services in contributing to and/ or reviewing any detailed designs as they are developed.

Maranoa Regional CouncilCouncil staff knowledgeable about touring events and larger concert needs suggested that there could be one concert a year that would use the indoor arena space.

12

BenchmarkingBenchmarking was undertaken at a number of centres across Queensland to gather information and ideas on matters such as:

• facility design

• management and operations

• fi nancial information

• marketing

• regional benefi t

• use by non-equestrian events.

Facilities that were benchmarked included:

1. Kalkadoon Stadium, Buchanan Park, Mount Isa

2. Capella Covered Arena, Capella

3. Cloncurry Equestrian Centre

4. Dalby Equestrian Centre, Dalby

5. Dalrymple Arenas, Charters Towers

6. Queensland State Equestrian Centre, Caboolture

7. Toowoomba Showgrounds, Toowoomba.

Kalkadoon Stadium (Buchanan Park)—Mount IsaFacility DesignKalkadoon Stadium (Buchanan Park) is different to the other centres benchmarked. It does not have a roof over the arena and one is never likely. However, the patrons around the open arena are protected by a roof. It is a rodeo venue only not offering campdraft. The local campdraft is held at Camoweal.

The centre was opened in 2007 and was funded by Mount Isa City Council, the Australian Government, the Queensland Government and Xstrata Copper.

The venue has approximately 5,000 seats, easily the biggest rodeo venue in Queensland. Seats are hard plastic and for many people they are too close together. Each seat has about 41.5cm of space. There is only a very small grassed area.

When an event calls for the large LED TV the design of the arena does not allow for it to be brought in on the back of a semi-trailer.

At Kalkadoon Stadium it needs to be craned in at extra cost.

The yards at the arena connect across the race track using temporary panels to extensive yards where cattle are loaded/ unloaded.

Competitor facilities are very basic with only temporary amenity buildings and limited camping sites. Organisers must bring in generators for power.

The bar area does not allow views of the arena/ action while mingling with mates. There is no cash at the bar. Tickets need to be purchased and then you move forward to collect your drinks.

There are insuffi cient storage sheds for things like mowers and gardening implements. On the other hand there are possibly too many toilets. Too many toilets means extra cleaning expenses that could be avoided by getting the number right.

There are sixteen Corporate Boxes (or defi ned seating areas) with a corporate hospitality room and amenities behind them. These are very popular and more are required to meet demand.

Steer chutes are US-style. The run-in is quite long and they start outside the arena, coming through a tunnel into the arena at full pace. Perhaps a more exciting version for the crowds but it is unusual for the competitors.

Some of the issues with the design include:

• electricity, lighting and PA control boards are located in several locations and not a central location

• seats are spaced too closely for many people. Seats need to be cleaned by hand which is time consuming and expensive

• some seats in the fi rst row have their view blocked by the arena fence

• the arena fence is a little low in places

• the roof design means that spectators have support posts in their view though they are a narrow design

• kitchens designed without exhaust fans (so only limited cooking possible)

• some criticism of the concrete wall on the arena (but QSEC has a similar wall)

• there are no spaces for children to run/ play

• audio cable was not run in conduit and it has subsequently had its insulation eaten by birds. Audio equipment needs to be hired at present though Council hopes to have a budget to rewire the venue soon

• poor acoustics with sound “bouncing” around.

Management and OperationsIn early 2104 Council placed the management of Buchanan Park, along with several other venues that Council owns, in the hands of a separate, but Council-owned, company.

The purpose of this was to bring more flexible, focussed operations to the venues so that they are managed more along commercial lines, seeking to reduce costs and maximise revenue.

MarketingThe new management are very focussed on marketing and will be developing a range of new materials and will be proactive in seeking out and securing events.

Non-equestrian EventsExamples from past events include concerts (e.g. Jimmy Barnes, Monster Trucks, Crusty Demons, Carols by Candlelight and weddings (with horses).

The facility also supports the annual show with a Professional Bull Ride on the Friday and Saturday nights.

Regional Benefi tThe Mount Isa Rodeo is the biggest in Australia so it is considered to be of signifi cant economic benefi t to the region.

Studies of the event were conducted in 2008 but these are not available.

Fees and Finances

Hire Fees

The following sample of fees applied in 2013/14 and were set by Council. They are being reviewed by Mount Isa Entertainment and Tourism Venues who have now taken management control of the facility.

• Hire of Kalkadoon Stadium—$3,190/ day

• Arena and seating but excluding corporate lounge, kitchens and administration areas—$1,210/ day

• Individual areas such as kitchens, corporate lounge, forecourt—$330/ day.

Hirers are responsible for cleaning the venue afterwards and for removing rubbish.

A number of concessions apply to the above fees. Local events are 75% of the above fee and concession events (mostly individuals and charities) are 50% of the fee.

Operational Expenditure

This fi gure is confi dential and has been provided to Council separately.

Capital Cost

Advised that it was around $17 million in 2006.




View of seating area from the rodeo arena. Corporate areas are in the middle Shade on side stands is only semi-permanent Seats are fi xed, plastic and close together Bar is at rear of grandstand

Only a small grass mound area available Concrete arena wall Steer chutes Media Room

Yards connect across the racecourse with portable panels Signifi cant car park but insuffi cient for big crowds Entry gates Inside the bar area

14

Capella Covered ArenaFacility DesignThe Capella Covered Arena is a building of 45m x 80 completed in 2001. The actual arena itself is 35m x 80. A skilion was added in 2013 over the chutes area.

The Capella Covered Arena is in the showgrounds complex where campdraft occurs nearby on the show arena. Stables and yards, toilets and canteen are shared between all functions.

Seating is rated for 800 people but can comfortably hold 650-700. For arena events portable seating can be placed on the arena with the use of a temporary fence.

When asked about improvements or design changes, if it was to be built again, Council staff said more attention would be paid to having a food handling compliant canteen and more room near and around the bar, in a location that did not clutter access in and out of the venue.

Management and OperationsCouncil is the venue manager. Council’s Parks and Gardens Department provide the mowing and garden maintenance service. As there is no caretaker on site, Council facility staff provide all operational services including the booking services, repairs and maintenance at the facility.

Facility cleaning is relatively simple. As all seating is galvanised steel it is cleaned with a fi re hose just before an event and only takes an hour or so.

Locals are allowed to use the Arena when it is not booked for functions.

The venue is booked most weekends outside of December and January. Some of the users of the Equestrian Complex in the last year included:

• Polocrosse and campdraft once per year

• Stockmans’ Challenge using both arenas

• Capella State High School using main arena for a campdraft every two years

• Equestrian Club, using the covered arena four times per year (smaller events)

• Pony Club camp booked for a week twice per year using both arenas

• Cutting—one weekend event and one week long event

• Annual show use the Covered Arena for stud cattle

• Bullarama (occasional event on a circuit)

• Rodeo—once per year

• Various schools by quarter horse, stock horse, pony club and equestrian group for one or two days.

MarketingThe facility is only passively marketed via means such as Council’s website and a brochure.

Non-equestrian EventsThe venue has been held for non-equestrian events such as concerts (INXS and Lee Kernighan) but generally these go to the Cultural Centre (the covered arena is only considered when the expected crowd is far too big for the Cultural Centre).

Within the showgrounds there is a portable stage that can be moved into the arena for functions that require it.

No artifi cial floors are used. If the regular surface is not acceptable for an event, a roller over the surface compacts it suffi ciently and it becomes very hard.

Regional Benefi tCouncil sees the facility as of benefi t as it is able to cater for large scale events and for a large variety of events.

Council has never offi cially measured the regional benefi ts of the facility but believes that it has community support as evidenced by its broad use.

Fees and Finances

Hire Fees

Council’s 2013-14 Hire fees are:

• Hire of the Covered Arena − Day hire—$150 − Weekend—$220 − Week—$600 − Electricity—$6 per token.

• Hire of Bridgeman Park (the showgrounds complex) varies from $220—$458/ per annum depending whether the hirer

is a local group or not. Non-local groups are limited to four bookings per year.

• Stables $3.60 / day

• Provision of sawdust, flooring reconfi guration, reinstatement and any extra watering, and/or cleaning is extra and charged at cost.

Locals can use the facility for exercising their horses or training at no cost.


The grounds and facilities are maintained by Council’s parks and gardens staff.

All revenue and expenses are recorded within the overall Parks and Gardens function so the Covered Arena is not reported separately.

While the Arena’s fi nances are not known Council staff noted that “it does not run at a profi t”.




Chutes side of arena Chutes—view from above Relocatable seating Well-connected yard system made from galvanised steel

Seating for approximately 650 people Extension added later over the chutes to protect workers and cattle Rear view of relocatable seating Open bar and food area

Internal view Looking down the arena from the Offi ce Stables Implement used to level the arena surface

16

Cloncurry Equestrian CentreFacility DesignThe Cloncurry Equestrian Centre began planning in 2010 with a master plan and was further developed in 2012 with more detailed design.

After this a Design Committee was established that included two people from each user group.

Grants were then sought from various governments by the Cloncurry Shire Council and the user groups (e.g. a local group received $100k towards the camping area amenities).

Seventy fi ve camping points have been developed with power, water and sewerage dump points. A new amenity block with showers and toilets is provided centrally to the camping area.

Camping for competitors with very large rigs and many horses is provided in an adjacent paddock. There are no services there but these competitors travel with all required facilities.

The campdraft and rodeo arenas are separated by a mound (built with grades suitable for disability access). The mound has a flat top where a temporary bar and canteen facility will be located. At this point Council does not know whether the mound will have natural or artifi cial grass added.

A roof over the spectators and a separate roof over the arena are planned in later stages when funds allow. Separate roofs mean that spectators will have support posts in their view.

Campdrafting is held in winter so there is less concern about shade/ sun protection in that area.

Yards have been designed to allow a TV screen to be backed in near the chutes. A later addition will see corporate seating added above the chutes. At this point the rodeo arena fence closest to the road is only to be a temporary design so that it can be removed if required. Council is not sure if it needs to stay that way but wants to retain flexibility to see what events or uses develop for the rodeo arena apart from the usual equestrian events.

The campdraft yards have been designed so that the competitors and their horses are separate from the spectators and they do not come into contact for safety reasons.

As there is not suffi cient budget for all facilities the bar, canteen and toilets will be temporary buildings or portables until funding is secured.

The PA system will broadcast on the FM network so that competitors can hear what is going on by tuning in on their truck radios.

Extra costs were incurred as the lighting designer specifi ed 13m poles rather than either a 10m or 15m pole that is commonly available in Australia. The 13m poles had to be brought from the USA. The lesson being, specify materials and goods readily available for off-the shelf installation.

Management and OperationsCouncil is the owner and venue manager. Council’s grounds staff will mow the facility when an event is scheduled. No other maintenance is expected but would be handled by Council crews if required.

MarketingThe facility is only passively marketed via means such as Council’s website.

Non-equestrian EventsAs the venue is open there are probably no non-equestrian events likely to use the grounds. This could change if it is covered.

Regional Benefi tNo information is available yet. However, Council sees the facility as necessary to host several large events in the community and that the facility supports the lifestyle of people in Cloncurry.

Fees and Finances

Hire Fees

Council is keeping the hire fees for this new facility the same as its existing fees for the old showground complex which are (2013/14):

• Rodeo grounds for one-day events including kiosk and toilets—$305

• Rodeo Grounds - Riding Schools - Adults—$170

• Rodeo Grounds - Riding Schools - Children—$60

• Curry Merry Muster Festival—$1,370/ day

• Campdraft/ Stockmans’ Challenge—$1,370/ day

• Horses and cattle overnight camping—$13/ head

• Camping, overnight with stock—$30.

It should be noted that the Rodeo Ground fees are for an open-air arena.


As the facility will not be completed until July 2014 there are no operating expenditure records.

Council does not expect any maintenance costs except mowing before an event.

Capital Cost

Council advised that the development, when complete, would be $2.5 million. This cost includes:

• 75 powered, watered and sewered (dump points) camp sites

• competitors’ amenity block

• earthworks

• lights to rodeo and campdraft arenas

• new gravel roads, including ring road for stock trucks

• PA system

• power upgrade (500kva)

• spectator mound

• yards and chutes.




View of mound from rodeo arena Competitors’ amenity block Loading ramp for side loaders Six chutes for rodeo yards

Most spectators will be accommodated on a mound Toilets and showers for competitors Water in some yards All yards are galvanised steel

All roads are gravel Low maintenance toilets; easy cleaning with high pressure hose Camp area for campdrafting Consideration has been given to using as few volunteers as possible. This loading ramp should only need one person

18

Dalby Showgrounds Covered ArenaFacility DesignThe Dalby Showgrounds Covered Arena was opened in 2009 and is owned and operated by the Western Downs Regional Council. It is located on the showgrounds. Council is the trustee for the showgrounds reserve.

The facility was constructed with funding from the Commonwealth Government and Council.

The Rodeo Arena surface is approximately 40 x 66m located beside, and opening onto through portable panels, the show ring. A campdraft complex is adjacent and opens onto the show ring. The facility is located within the showgrounds which have stables, pavilions, outdoor arenas, basic camp sites and similar facilities.

The roof structure is 80m x 66m and the spans run the long dimension i.e. are 80m between posts. This is unlike all other facilities that span the shorter dimension. The Dalby Showground Covered Arena is a similar design to the Dalrymple Arenas in Charters Towers—being a roof suspended from above.

The complex contains a canteen, toilet facilities, bar facilities, meeting and community rooms in one building under the covered area. The building has a mezzanine for viewing and functions. There is no Announcer’s Box nor is there a public address system or a sprinkler system (though this is to be installed soon).

The surface of the arena is of a loam/granite material mix. Cattle panels border the working area of the arena surface.

The Covered Arena is a multi-use facility. The arena surface was replaced in 2012 and the new loam/granite mix surface provides a surface considered safe and versatile for equestrian events, however, can be compacted to hold trade shows, musical events, community events and private functions.

There are two separate external rings or arenas at the Dalby Showgrounds which can be used for a variety of events. The main ring, predominantly used for equestrian events, has the cattle yards and campdraft facility adjoining it therefore it provides a venue for campdrafting and equestrian events among others. The dog ring can be used for equestrian events, dog trials, camping during organised events, sporting activities or various other types of events.

When asked about improvements or design changes, if it was to be built again, the Council nominated:

• change the buildings within the covered arena to make them more user-friendly

• have showers within the amenities

• have an ability to have a lane-way for direct cattle access from cattle yards to the covered arena

• have a different removable panel fencing system around surface area

• have grandstands that can be easily relocated for individual events (the existing ones at fi ve tonnes each need a crane)

• have a surface watering system to eliminate dust

• have a P.A. and speaker system established for events.

Management and OperationsCouncil is the venue manager. Council’s Parks and Gardens Department provide the mowing and garden maintenance service. As there is no caretaker on site, council facility staff provide all operational services including the booking services, and repairs and maintenance at the facility.

The facility area, once booked, is cleaned and prepared prior to an event, however if hirers want panels or grandstands relocated or the arena changed, it is the hirer’s responsibility. The hirer must return it to the same confi guration as pre-event. Post event inspections are held with the hirer.

For security the showgrounds is locked when it is not hired. Keys are obtained through Council’s Facilities Department. Any event specifi cally requiring security must organise their own through a security company.

Various community events utilise volunteers, however all liability and responsibility for those volunteers are the hirers. The Dalby Showgrounds has regular user groups i.e. Dalby & District Show Society, Darling Downs Branch of the Stockhorse Society, Dalby Campdraft Committee, Dalby Feather Club, Dalby & District Hack and Pony Club, Dalby Reining Group. These groups form a Dalby Showgrounds Improvement Committee and liaise with Council as to the Land Management Plan, current and future issues of the whole of the facility etc. Any voluntary assistance towards repairs/maintenance or improvements for the facility by these groups is appreciated.

There is no general access to individuals. Access to the covered arena is by booking an event with keys obtained through Council.

Member groups of the Dalby Showgrounds Improvement Committee have an access key if they need to access their respective storage container.


Non-equestrian EventsThe venue has been used for non-equestrian events such as trade shows, monthly markets, not-for-profi ts events, Christmas events book sales, private events, musical events, cattle shows, car and machinery shows, fi tness clinics and sporting events.

No artifi cial floors are used. If the regular surface is not acceptable for an event, a roller over the surface compacts it suffi ciently and it becomes very hard. Once the event is over council works the surface with a specifi cally designed drag implement to return it to a surface suitable for equestrian events.

The Dalby Showgrounds are considered Dalby’s evacuation centre when required during natural disasters. The Pavilion (another building on the showgrounds) becomes the location where evacuees relocate to, the stables and cattle yards and arenas become the areas where livestock and animals are located to during these disaster events The covered arena offi ces provide storage areas for materials and food items when these events occur. The local caravan parks relocate their patrons to the showgrounds during these disaster events as the camping areas of the grounds, and car park areas, provide a safe location.

Regional Benefi tCouncil sees the facility as of benefi t as it is able to cater for large scale events and for a large variety of events.

Council has never offi cially measured the benefi ts of the facility but believes that it has community support as evidenced by its broad use.

Fees and Finances

Hire Fees

Council’s 2013-14 Hire fees are quite complex allowing the hire of the whole facility, or various parts of the facility on an hourly or daily basis. It is further broken down into not-for-profi t, private and commercial users. A selection of the fees are:

• Casual use for private and not-for-profi t groups—$16.50/hr with a maximum of three hours

• Casual use for commercial groups—$33.00/hr with a maximum of three hours

• Covered Arena, all facilities except lights—$272/ day (private and not-for-profi t groups); $545/ day for commercial groups

• Covered Arena, sand area only, no lights—$89/ day not-for-profi t groups; $109/ day private groups and $218/ day commercial groups

• Lighting is $25/ hour.


Council does not report the fi nances of the Covered Arena separately from other functional areas so its actual cost cannot be reported. Council did provide the following information:

“Council is responsible for all operational and maintenance costs. Hire bookings have increased however, as Council is supportive of community events, hire fees are kept to a realistic minimal cost. Expenses such as maintenance and operational costs are signifi cant.

Maintenance costs (and the drivers) due to the ageing infra-structure in certain areas, constant maintenance is required to ensure the facility meets legislative requirements.”




Main arena—40m x 65m Use of galvanised steel ensures low whole-of-life maintenance costs Bar area View from rodeo arena towards the seating and facilities behind

Rodeo Arena from above the buildings Standing area or flexible space that can be used for corporate area, bar or other functions

Arena view Roof design is supported from above

Portable seating can be moved in and out. Each section seats 70 people. There are 13 sets which are also used around the showgrounds

Rainwater is captured but not yet used for sprinklers on the surface Arena opens onto showground Implement used to level the arena surface

20

Dalrymple Arenas (Charters Towers)Facility DesignThe Dalrymple Arenas were constructed in 2003 and are owned and operated by the Charters Towers Regional Council.

The complex contains a Rodeo Arena (approximately 40 x 65m) and a full-sized Equestrian Ring built to Australian Campdraft Association standards.

The complex contains a canteen, toilet facilities, bar facilities, Secretary’s offi ce and an announcer’s box under the covered area. Public seating is available for both areas. There are approximately 466 plastic seats facing the Arena with further seating on grass mounds and standing room under a separate roof near the bar and canteen. For many events it is possible to put temporary seating on the Arena surface for even more capacity (the Arena is narrowed with the use of temporary fencing).

The facility was constructed as a joint exercise between the State Government and Council. Each stage of construction was via tender and in accordance with the funding terms/conditions e.g. KTB Engineering built the roof, Towers Tanks supplied the tanks etc.

Council mentioned that they have had some issues with the public address system and the initial installation was replaced.

Council’s staff involved in the design and construction, reflecting now, suggested the following design changes if they were to build it again:

1. The bar area is too small while the canteen area is too big. The spaces should be swapped. It has been noticed at events that people like to loiter at the bar and there is not enough room. Whereas the people using the canteen are in and out and therefore it does not really require all of the space that it has.

2. Since its inception, Council has changed the loading ramp to accommodate semi-trailers. Originally it only took rigid body trucks

3. Council has added more toilet blocks however, as with any facility, there are “not enough women’s toilets!”.

4. Installed a sprinkler system inside the covered arena for dust suppression.

Management and OperationsDay-to-day administrative operations are handled by Council’s Manager Rural Services from City Hall. He is responsible for pre and post inspection of the facility for events and liaison with users. The Saleyards staff take care of grounds maintenance on a weekly basis (mowing etc.)

Staff at events are organised by the hirer. Council does not have any input, nor requirements with respect to staffi ng (including volunteers). Security etc. is usually dictated by liquor licensing approvals.

Council’s Manager Rural Services keeps a digital diary of bookings. Each hirer is required to complete an application form and submit it at least ten days prior to events (where possible). Council holds a bond and the booking fee, which equates to the hire fee, which must be paid when lodging the application. The hirer loses the booking fee if they do not proceed with the event. Council only recently introduced this process because groups would book for an entire year of events and cancel at the last minute or not use the facility and it was considered unfair to other users.

Access to the facility is gained by the hirer signing out the keys during offi ce hours at City Hall. Council keeps a key register and they must sign them out and back in again. Council has recently set up a swipe-card system for users who want to train at the facility. They use their swipe card and gain access through the side gate. Application must be made for a swipe card and payment of a bond. Council introduced this swipe card system for legal reasons, mostly so that users were covered by insurance.

Council does a pre-inspection and post-inspection (preferably in conjunction with the hirer) for each and every event. This ensures that both parties know the condition of the venue prior to hiring and also to provide advice on how to operate equipment (such as ovens etc.) and to go through safety measures etc. An electricity reading is performed pre and post inspection as the hirer is responsible for electricity costs.


Non-equestrian EventsThe venue has been used for non-equestrian events such as weddings, fi lm festival, book launch, a dinner for 300 people and mass staff meetings.

However, Council does not actively market this. As the surface preparation at the facility is very important, Council does not want uses that “may require us to repair the ground for equestrian events”. Overall, Council “would prefer that equestrian events are given priority over other types of events”. There are other facilities locally that can cater for non-equestrian events.

The user is responsible for setting up the facility and the organisation of flooring etc. The fi lm festival hired flooring from a Townsville company and it took them approximately four hours to set up the timber floor. Council conditioned the approval to ensure that the ground was left in the same condition that they found it—i.e. in a safe manner for equestrian activities.

These events are very infrequent particularly as Council does not encourage them given the potential for making the ground surface unsafe for equestrian events. Fees are the same as equestrian events.

Regional Benefi tCouncil believes that the facility plays a signifi cant and active role in the region. It has approximately 56 events scheduled for the 2013-14 fi nancial year by approximately 12 user groups.

The Equestrian Centre is the only purpose-built equestrian facility in the local area. Dalrymple Covered Arena is the only sand arena that provides protection for locals from the harsh North Queensland sun and is considered a great benefi t to the region.

The permanency of the facility is also a great benefi t to the small sporting groups that use it. They don’t have to use volunteers etc. to set up and dismantle marquees and temporary structures, they just walk-in, walk-out.

Council has never offi cially measured the benefi ts of the facility but believes that it has community support as evidenced by its broad use.

Fees and Finances

Hire Fees

Council’s 2013-14 Hire fees are:

• An equestrian event where more than 85% of the competitors are aged 16 or under—$113/ day or part thereof

• Campdraft Arena—$376/ day or part thereof

• Covered Arena—$376/ day or part thereof

• Access via swipe-card for non-scheduled events for

recreational horse riding and training purposes—$10 per year1

• Electricity use is additional to any hire fee


Council provided operational data for the ten months to the end of April 2014.

Data shows hire fees, including electricity charges of $9,800 and operating expenditure of $42,800. Of that amount $29,000 is classed as “maintenance”. Extrapolating forward two months for an entire fi nancial year then the operating loss could be expected to be approximately $43,000 per year.

1 Applicants are to take out and keep current a public liability insurance policy to $5,000,000 and note Council’s interest on the policy. Access is only allowed at times outside of scheduled events




Main arena—40m x 65m Facilities on an elevated mound between the campdraft and rodeo arenas Semi-permanent toilets to supplement permanent toilets View from rodeo arena towards the seating and facilities behind

Formal and informal (grassed mound) seating Public side of the “camp” Offi ce, bar and canteen Roof design is supported from above—clean design and no places for birds to roost

Rodeo chutes Campdraft yards Scorer’s box Implement used to level the arena surface

22

Queensland State Equestrian CentreFacility DesignThe Queensland State Equestrian Centre (QSEC) is located in Caboolture on the Showgrounds.

It was funded through grants from the Commonwealth and State governments with some assistance from Moreton Bay Shire Council. It was opened in September 2011 at a reported cost of $17 million.

QSEC markets itself as “Queensland’s premier equestrian sport and multi-purpose events venue”. It has been developed on a 30 hectare site and is readily accessed by people in South East Queensland.

Facilities are listed as:

• Main Arena is an 80m x 40m indoor, sand arena with seating for 3,200 equestrian spectators or 5,200 for a concert, judges and commentators rooms and state of the art PA system

• Warm up areas including a fully lit, 60m x 20m sand warm up arena

• Four all-weather, sand dressage arenas with covered viewing areas

• One hundred and fi fty four stables with anti-slip rubber matting

• Eight wash bays

• Fifty fi ve camp sites with power and water access

• Additional ‘informal’ camp sites

• Large camping amenities block

• Two meeting/training rooms

• A licensed bar

• A restaurant (opening soon) and a cafe

There are no facilities for campdraft. There are no stockyards at the venue and very few across the showgrounds site ( just a small set adjacent to the Showgrounds’ covered arena). When the rodeo is held all yards and ramps must be brought in.

There is also very little in the way of car parking. Event spectators need to park several hundred metres away and at night it can be

diffi cult to fi nd your car in the dark. This problem will likely be addressed as far as possible in coming years.

Also, more stables are required. QSEC has a policy that no horse can be tied up so they need to be in a yard or a stable when not being ridden.

A future development will be an eventing course adding to the key equestrian disciplines.

The roof will also be extended to the south, when funds allow, as rain is blowing in onto patrons.

Management and OperationsThe State Equestrian Centre is owned and operated by Moreton Bay Regional Council (MBRC).

MBRC provide the staff which includes:

• a part-time manager

• 2 x event organisation staff

• 2 x part-time university students

• 2 x grounds people

• 3 x duty managers for weekend events

The cafe is staffed by the venue and the venue takes the profi ts.

Unlike other centres visited, except Mount Isa, this venue has dedicated staff.

MarketingQSEC has a comprehensive website. Now that operations have settled down after the grand opening and the flurry of initial events, the staff are preparing to be more active in marketing the venue and in creating their own events such as clinics and schools. A boxing tournament is planned. Team reining is a planned sport to be included and the staff are considering starting and/ or attracting other events.

Non-equestrian EventsThe venue has an artifi cial floor that was obtained from the London Olympics. It takes several people eight hours to put down so it is only used for big events.

Non equestrian type events have included Farmfantastic and concerts e.g. the Urban Country Music Festival where two stages operated consecutively at different ends of the Arena. Others have included:

• rodeo (national titles were held in May 2014)

• careers expo

• a boxing tournament

• horse home show

The Horse Home Show is a large annual event that attracts many spectators and vendors.

Regional Benefi tNo studies have been conducted at this point.

Fees and FinancesA sample of various hire fees are shown below. There are many hire fees for different parts of the complex. A relevant selection are outlined below. See QSEC’s website (www.qsec.com.au) for a comprehensive listing.

Hire Fees

• Main Arena—$45/ hour (members) and $50 / hour (non-members). Includes lighting if required.

• Main Arena—$650 / day

• Whole of Venue—P.O.A.

• Warm-up Arena— $25/ hour (members) and $30 / hour (non-members)

• Warm-up Arena— $225/ day

• Dressage Sand Arenas (outdoor) − All Arenas (4)—$550/ day − Single Arena—$150/ day − Single Arena— $15/ hour (members) and $20 / hour

(non-members)

• Various rooms for meetings etc—approximately $10/ hr or $50/ day

• Main Arena PA system—$75/ day

• Ground Service Fee1—Nil (members) and $5/ day (non-members)

• Campsites—$20 / night (powered) and $15/ night un-powered

• Event support staff—$35.00/ hour (minimum of four hours)

• Temporary Fencing Erection staff— $35.00/ hour (minimum of four hours) with no charge for the use of the fencing

• Membership—$60/ year

Food vendors at events pay 20% of their turnover to QSEC.


This information was not made available.

1 This fee applies to every horse brought onto the grounds and funds are used for ongoing maintenance of QSEC.




View of the front of the complex Seating on one side of the arena Media rooms, judges, offi cials etc and scoreboard External sand arena for warm-up during competitions

Ticket area and lift. Management offi ces are to the right. View through the main arena Open design ensures acoustics are good Some of the stables provided

View down one side. Cafe and bar are behind the roller shutters Open end. Temporary yards are set up in this space for rodeo and some equestrian events

Internal view—removing bird netting Implement for watering and preparing the arena surface

24

Toowoomba Showgrounds Covered ArenaFacility DesignThe Toowoomba Showgrounds building covers a 40m x 70m sand arena but has additional space on all sides. The building was constructed in 2003 for $850,000.

The sand arena is built on a road base (as is Dalby’s arena). Special care is taken to stop it being punctured e.g. no fence posts are allowed.

The building is not a “post-free” design but the posts have been minimised with only three posts actually in the view of spectators. They are also of a narrow profi le so they are almost unobtrusive.

Approximately 640 formal seats are provided. Additional seating is possible on the concrete terraces near the Arena. Temporary grandstands can be placed at various points around the arena for even more capacity.

There are many permanent and temporary stables on site. Up to 300 can be provided.

An external caterer built the canteen and has an arrangement with the Showgrounds Committee to run it. That agreement states that it must be open for all events. A percentage of the turnover is paid to the Showground Committee as a hire fee.

Management and OperationsToowoomba Showgrounds is the venue manager. The Showgrounds’ staff undertake the mowing, cleaning and light maintenance.

The Showgrounds Complex is locked at night for security.

Booking can be made through the Showgrounds offi ce during business hours.

Cutting users require a deep sand—300mm. It is the responsibility of these users to bring in the extra sand and then remove it later. The extra sand, once purchased, can be stored on the site for the following event/ year.

MarketingThe facility is not marketed. The Toowoomba Showgrounds does have a website where you can enquire about hosting an event but there in no specifi c mention of the Arena. Management do not seek out events for the Showgrounds or any of its venues.

Non-equestrian EventsThe venue has only been used for a few non-equestrian events principally because, being a showgrounds, there are many other options which are more suitable within the complex.

However, when a non-equestrian event is held the arena is watered and heavy rolled and this makes the surface hard enough for the event.

One such event is the Agshow which uses the whole showgrounds with a number of pavilions set up within the Arena.

Regional Benefi tThe Showgrounds Committee knows that there are signifi cant community benefi ts by dint of the number of events held at the venue however, it has never been formally measured or estimated.

Fees and FinancesThe hire fees are shown below. The hire fees are, according to management, not the prime source of income. Most revenue is obtained from stabling and camping.

Hire Fees

The 2013-14 hire fees are:

• Hire of the Covered Arena − Day hire for an equestrian event—$520 − Day hire for a horse sale—$1,300 − Day hire for a non-equestrian event—$1,875

• Casual use $20 / hour for a member and $25 / hour for a non-member

• Casual use with lights $31 / hour for a member and $36 / hour for a non-member

• Stables $20.00 / night (showgrounds provides saw dust and cleans the stables after their use)

• Camping $25 for a family of four

• Light is extra. Electricity is measured by a smart meter (linked into the computer system) and billed after the event

• Local clubs negotiate a bulk fee for the expected number of uses per year

• Provision of extra sand and its removal is at the hirers’ cost.


The facility is only one of many large buildings within the Showgrounds and there is no separate accounting for each building.

Showgrounds Management though did say there has been no signifi cant maintenance required on the building since it was erected in 2003.




Main arena view Casual terrace seating beside the arena Irrigation system that was fi tted some time after construction Multi-use pavilion currently with temporary stables set up inside (see below)

Formal plastic seating More casual terrace seating beside the arena Outside view showing end-side extension Temporary stables set up inside a pavilion

An extension at the east end for canteen, offi ces and viewing areas The soutern side of the arena is covered but not part of the arena or public areas

Internal view Portable stables panels (note advertising on outside of Arena)

26


Learnings from the BenchmarkingThe following general learnings can be gleaned from the benchmarking:

• If the facility has permanent staff employed by its owner (usually the local Council) then it is likely to be running at a signifi cant loss

• Hire revenue is not always the main source of income with fees from camping and stabling possibly being higher

• It is likely that all the benchmarked facilities run at an operational loss but the less complex centres, with no dedicated staff, lose the least.

• Where regular local use is encouraged through reasonable fees the facility enjoys a high level of local support

• Design with maintenance and operation in mind. As much as possible use galvanised steels, concrete and oven-baked painted products such as Colorbond Steel. Avoid materials that will decay with time such as plastics and rubbers and avoid painted surfaces (except oven baked surfaces) as repainting is expensive.

• Consider the costs in setting up for an event. Covered Arenas naturally are quite dusty and cleaning is required before public events. If cleaning can be achieved with a high pressure hose rather than hand washing signifi cant savings are achieved

Table 1: Comparison of rates across the benchmarked venues with Bassett Park

Venue Arena Day Hire Arena Hourly Hire Stables Lights/ Electricity NotesMount Isa $1,210-$3,190 Not offered No stables in complex Not mentioned Higher fi gure is for whole venue. Up to 50% discount for charities. Arena is not covered

Capella $150 Locals can use at no cost $3.60/ day $6 per token

Cloncurry $305 No rate given $13/ head/ day in yards not stables No rate given Arena is not covered

Dalby $272/ $545 $16.50/ $33 In showgrounds $25/ hour Not-for profi t and commercial rates where two amounts appear. Hourly rate is for exclusive use.

Charters Towers $376 $10/ year No stables Not mentioned Hourly rate is outside of events and is for non-exclusive use. Rate is actually for one year’s access

QSEC Caboolture $650 $45/ $50/ hour $18.90/ $22.50 Included Membership gives the lower rate. Hourly rate gives exclusive use.

Toowoomba $520 $20/ $25/ hour $20/ night Smart meter Membership gives the lower rate

Bassett Park (Roma) $72/ $833 No rate given $7.30/$16.70/ week depending upon quality Not mentioned Local groups get lower rate. Higher rate is for a rodeo and includes support facilities. Stable rates are per week.

• Where replacement items will be required use commonly available fi ttings e.g. lighting fi xtures and towers

• Many arenas are smaller than 80m x 40m with no apparent affect on functions

• Understand the user (competitors and spectators) experience and design accordingly. Both groups need to “love” the facility if they are to frequent it for events

• Attracting a meaningful number of non-equestrian events requires some form of active management

• Hire fees vary considerably across venues. As venues are far apart there is little competition between venues for users. A comparison of rates can be found in Table 1.



Section 5: Management OptionsA Multi-Purpose Equestrian Centre in the Maranoa Region has the potential to meet the needs of various groups for regular local competitions as well as for occasional regional and higher level equestrian events. Private use, if the fees are competitive, is also likely.

There are also a range of other corporate, community, and social events that may use the facility such as concerts, training days, small expos, parties and gatherings such as scouts or “Grey Nomad Caravaners”. To acquire some of these extra events it is likely that the facility will need some form of active promotion.

Management OptionsSuccessful management of the facility will ensure that it is effectively shared by equestrian organisations but that it is also attracting as much use as possible, balancing the pursuit of revenue with providing opportunities for local and regional groups.

While it is important to maximise the revenue that is received it is also important that the facility is used as much as possible, particularly by organisations and businesses based within the Maranoa Regional Council area so that it receives, and retains, local support.

Three generic models for managing the Multi-Purpose Equestrian Centre are relevant:

1. Not-for-Profi t Incorporated Organisation

2. Council-managed

3. Professional Management

Incorporated Association

Incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act 1987, an incorporated association would comprise a Management Committee as elected at a general meeting. Incorporated associations cannot be formed for the purposes of trading or earning profi t for members. Any profi ts raised from commercial activities may not be distributed among members. Such profi ts must be used for activities carried on by the incorporated organisation, in accordance with the objectives listed in the constitution or rules.

This form of organisation is common among sport and recreation clubs across Queensland and is well-known to most active club members.

To use this model it is likely that Council would retain ownership

of the Multi-Purpose Equestrian Centre but establish a lease agreement to the entity responsible for the management of the venue.

While this model is relatively easy to set up and provides an adequate level of protection for the managers and members of the organisations it is not recommended in this situation at this time as it is not apparent that any organisation has the depth of experience or resources to adequately manage such a vital piece of community infrastructure.

However, should that situation change then the model should be reassessed.

Council Managed Model

This model would involve management by Council’s existing Bassett Park staff performing management and maintenance roles with some administration support.

Bassett Park staff are well-capable of undertaking the day-to-day management and maintenance of the facility as it is similar to the facilities that they already maintain. Administration support, principally in invoicing, bookings and receipting would be resourced by the main Council offi ce.

Council may allocate a part-time role to an employee to seek events for the Multi-Purpose Equestrian Centre (and perhaps other venues across the LGA).

This model allows Council to retain complete control over the operations of the venue. This is particularly important in the fi rst few years as the Centre is bedded down. Council will be in close contact with the users and can make improvements where required. It also allows Council to fully understand the revenue and expenses of the facility which will be important to understand before considering either of the other management options.

Professional Management

A professional management model would involve a commercial organisation being responsible for the ongoing management and operation of the Multi-Purpose Equestrian Centre. This type of management would be familiar to Council, particularly in the management of aquatic centres and indoor sport centres.

A key advantage of this model is that decisions regarding the operations of the centre are usually based on commercial viability. This can help to ensure the fi nancial sustainability of a

centre where community service obligations can be negotiated between Council and the commercial operator.

However, there may not be a suitable organisation willing or capable of taking on the management of a new equestrian venue in the Maranoa. Unlike swimming pools, equestrian sports venues do not typically have a high volume of customers and are therefore likely to have low profi ts. Therefore the management of this type of facility may not be an appealing business venture for a commercial organisation.



Section 6: Financial AnalysisThis section considers the fi nancial scenarios that could eventuate for the Multi-purpose Equestrian Centre.

It is widely reported that the key to successfully establishing and operating signifi cant recreation infrastructure is to:

1. Minimise the capital cost

2. Quickly establish positive cash flows

3. Aggressively work to increase future profi ts by maximising revenue and minimising costs

4. Mitigate the risks that are inherent to large construction projects.

If these four factors can be managed satisfactorily as Council moves forward with the project then it has a high likelihood of success.

Capital CostsThe Bassett Park Master Plan had a detailed Quantity Surveyor’s report prepared based on the concept drawings and some discussions. The report was prepared by Davis Langdon Quantity Surveyors.

A summary of the capital cost of the Multi-purpose Equestrian Centre is shown below. The detailed report was provided to Council separately. The cost of the Multi-purpose Equestrian Centre was estimated at a little over $14 million.

Item Cost (ex GST)Covered Arena 6,799,660Campdraft Arena 752,519Stock yards 299,000Access roads and car parking 948,666Camping area 619,850New fence along McPhie Street 63,256

AllowancesPreliminaries and Margin (18%) 1,794,420Design and Construct Contingency (10%) 1,176,300Professional and Statutory Fees and Charges (12%)

1,552,800

Total $14,007,000

Anecdotal evidence would suggest that this fi gure may be on the high side but until detailed design is undertaken and the project is re-costed it is all that is available.

There are opportunities to reduce the capital cost that need to be considered. The master plan reflected the wants and needs of many organisations. It also reflected the end-stage of development—that is the fully developed complex.

In preparing this feasibility study the following factors have come to light that can decrease the capital cost of the initial development:

• Roads do not need to be bitumen paved and for horse riders gravel roads are preferred.

• Similarly, the car park does not need to bitumen paved initially. While it is probably preferable in the long term it is

not necessary at start up.

• The arena size can be reduced. On the short dimension it could be reduced to 35m without apparent detriment to the sports1. On the long dimension it may be reduced as well—perhaps to as little as 60m. Later stages could extend the building to its full 80m length.

• The master plan proposes a building design that spans across the arena and has support posts behind where people sit so that there are no support posts in the view of the spectators. While this is preferred a design with a minimum number of low profi le support posts may be a worthwhile trade-off. With shorter spans costs are reduced.

• Increasing informal seating and less formal seating or using concrete terraces (to which bleachers can be added later).

• Using portable buildings for many amenity functions such as toilets, canteens, offi ces, fi rst aid rooms and bars. Food vans can be supplied by local service clubs or promoters. Permanent buildings can be a later addition.

• Lighting of the campdraft arena and yards may be added later. The use of portable lights may suffi ce in the interim.

• The electricity does not necessarily need to be connected to the camping area initially. The area might be wired but a generator could be connected to provide the power until a permanent connection is made.

• Using work-for-the-dole or prison labour2 (if available) for some tasks (could also be good for grounds maintenance after development).

• Having club’s volunteer with some tasks (e.g. building fences or yards; paths, setting bollards, concreting, earthworks).

• Having no permanent chutes and allowing promoters/ stock contractors to provide them3.

• The warm-up arena could be located on the campdraft arena until funds allowed a separate arena to be developed.

• Fencing against McPhie Street could also wait, using the existing fencing for the time being.

1 It would appear that the only sport that would be affected is indoor barrel riding

2 Winton Shire Council have used prison labour in developing their show-grounds, rodeo and campdraft arena

3 A preferred arrangement for stock contractors but an extra expense on promoters

Revenue and PricingSeven centres have been benchmarked. It is believed that no centre operates at a cash profi t—all lose money from that perspective. Only Charters Towers Regional Council4 was able to share actual fi nancial information with MAK Planning and Design and it appeared that their centre in 2013/2014 was set to incur expenses of about $43,000 above its revenue.

As a point of reference Tamworth’s Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre is set to have an operational defi cit of $1,957,7865 (revenue = $1.15 million and expenses = $3.10 million) in 2014/15 according to Council’s draft budget papers on public display. While AELEC is not directly comparable to the Multi-purpose Equestrian Centre—generally being considered the peak facility for equine sport in Australia—it is interesting to compare its operating outcome with the fi nancial report to Council in 2008/096 which indicated an operating defi cit of $1.2 million on the back of revenue of $2.0 million.

Financial projections for Buchanan Park in Mount Isa have similarly come up short7.

Tamworth Regional Council has for the last three years assessed the regional benefi t from AELEC and it has varied between $12 million and $15 million in direct spending (not multiplied). Other benefi ts have accrued from the relocation of Peak Body offi ces to Tamworth.

Orion’s report to Maranoa Regional Council found that a key factor in poor fi nancial performance appears to be linked to under-pricing and noted:

“with the market leader (AELEC) appearing to charge nominal fees rather than full cost recovery, it will be diffi cult for other ven-ues to compete for events, and avoid loss-making operations”.

Tamworth Regional Council no longer publishes hire fees for AELEC citing commercial advantage reasons however it is believed that they have not increased signifi cantly above other venues.

4 Mount Isa City Council also shared fi nancial information but it is not for publication

5 Expenditure includes depreciation of approximately $800,000 and loan interest of $500,000. $104,000 is capital expenditure (information supplied by Tamworth Regional Council Manager)

6 Orion Consulting Network, 2009, Pre-feasibility Study Indoor Multi- Purpose Facility for Maranoa Regional Council (p40)

7 ibid.

30

The hire fees reported in the Benchmarking section of this Study, and partially summarised in Table 1, suggest that they are not reflective of the capital cost of the facility. However, they may be all that the market can bear. Higher, more realistic fi gures would probably mean less use and perhaps less revenue collected in total. Such a scenario would suggest that the provision of high quality equestrian facilities needs to be seen as a community service and not as a commercial enterprise. This does not mean that the provider should not run them as commercially as possible, seeking to reduce the operational defi cit, but to expect them to return a profi t may be too optimistic.

With most competitor facilities charging nominal rather than commercial fees it makes it diffi cult for Maranoa Regional Council to charge fees that are much higher if it is to attract higher level events such as national titles to the region.

Event UsageFrom the discussion with user groups and Council the events, summarised in Table 2, would likely be held in an average year.

Most of the events listed in Table 2 are existing events, not new events. The Multi-purpose Equestrian Centre will make the events better for spectators and participants and reduce the possibility of weather affecting their running but they would most likely have proceeded in any case at the existing facilities.

Table 3 lists events that are more likely to be secured with the Multi-purpose Equestrian Centre. These events may not have been held in Roma without such a venue. As such they could be considered as new events bringing benefi ts to the region.

These events are infrequent and it is diffi cult to predict their

frequency but they could be expected to occur given local support. As mentioned elsewhere a national rodeo fi nal requires a viable local organisation to host it and a national campdraft, apart from a viable local organisation requires access to approximately 2,000 cattle which can, depending upon the season, be diffi cult to secure.

As the benchmarking of other centres has suggested there will be other events that use a covered arena however they cannot be predicted with any certainty and have therefore not been included in the operational costings.

Sources of FundingThere are several avenues to pursue, or to consider, when seeking funding. Principal means are:

1. grants from State and Federal governments

2. one-off grants from the commercial sector

3. user group contributions

4. Council contributions.

Grants from State and Federal governments

Obtaining large scale funding for a venture such as this is limited. The Queensland Government’s Royalties to the Regions Program is one scheme that could provide a signifi cant grant towards the Multi-purpose Equestrian Centre. Sport and Recreation Services understands that its “Majors” program is likely to be reinstated and this project should qualify for funding. Funding though is likely to be under $1 million.

There are no Commonwealth government grant schemes of any signifi cance at present though that can always change.

Commercial Sector

With the booming resources sector in the Surat Basin a resource company, or a company allied to the resources sector, may be willing to contribute funding.

The venue’s naming rights may be an attractive proposal to the commercial sector. Naming rights can be a one-off contribution or an annual fee for an agreed number of years. AELEC will be seeking naming rights this fi nancial year and they expect a signifi cant fee8. It has been reported that the C.ex Coffs Harbour International Stadium receives approximately $50,000 per year in naming rights.

Naming rights though should only be offered when a substantial fee is offered as they imply that the commercial entity is meeting all, or the majority, of the costs. In a local government context this is rarely the case. Contributions which are reasonable, but not substantial, should be seen as major sponsorships or something similar so that the true funder, the local government, is also recognised for their role.

8 For commercial reasons that fee is not being disclosed here.

Table 2: Likely existing events that would be held at the Multi-purpose Equestrian Centre

Organisation Event Type Number per annum Days NotesEaster in the Country Rodeo and Bull Rides 1 3 Attendance is reported at about 6,000 across both events. Figures reported by Easter in the Country Committee.

Saturday night music event could move to the Indoor Arena

Maranoa Team Ropers Charity Rodeo 1 1 Expected attendance of 1,000 in 2014

Maranoa Team Ropers Club events 5 1 20-30 people per event

Maranoa Team Penning Club events 3 1 Usually no more than 20 people

Maranoa Team Penning Cutting Schools 2 —3 1 No schools scheduled in 2014 at this stage

Maranoa Equestrian Club Club events 4 1 Attendance may be 20-30 people

Maranoa Equestrian Club Clinics 5 2

Maranoa Campdraft Association Campdraft 1 2 Attendance 500 people to the event

TOTALS 22-23 12

Table 3: Likely new events that could be held at the Multi-purpose Equestrian Centre

Organisation Event Type Number per annum Days NotesAPRA/ Rodeo National Titles Every 5-10 years 2 Hosting the event would require a viable local rodeo committee which may not currently exist

Maranoa Campdraft Association/ Australian Campdraft Association

Campdraft Every 5-10 years 2 Attendance 500 people to the event

Music Concert Concert 1 1

Expo or Exhibition/ Trade Fair Commercial ? 1-2 No obvious event at this point but could be developed

Australian Campdraft Association

Clinic or School 1 1 Could be more events in the future

Section 6: Financial Analysis



User Group Contributions

User groups can apply for funding to build individual elements of the venue. For example, in Cloncurry the local campdraft association secured funding from Sport and Recreation Services to build the camping area’s amenity block at the new Equestrian Centre.

User groups can also provide labour, capital (usually limited) and may be able to assist with the loan of machinery (for example earthmoving equipment) to achieve part of the plan.

Council Contributions

Council can assist by contributing funds towards the development. A contribution is often required for grant funding and this may come from Council resources.

Council could take out a loan and seek to have it repaid through profi ts from the Multi-purpose Equestrian Centre. However, it is highly unlikely that there would ever be enough profi t to repay any signifi cant loan funds.

Council has the expertise to undertake some of the development. Aspects such as earthworks for the facility, roads, car parks, pathways, landscaping, concreting and fencing are the most obvious though there would be others.

Notes to accompanycash flow analysis

• GST has been excluded

• Assumes that there are no fi nancing costs

• Depreciation has not been factored in to calculations

• There has been no adjustment for inflation

• All structures will have a 12 month defects warranty

• Venue insurances are to be included in Council’s policy

• Bassett Park staff are capable of servicing the venue’s needs from within existing staff numbers. Arena surface is worked once daily (if required) except Sunday unless an event is scheduled

• Canteens and bars are stocked and staffed by the hirers and they retain any profi t (or loss)

• Water is captured for use on the arena surface. Reticulated water usage is for toilets and kitchens

• Mowing of the camping area is only for major events (say four times per year). Otherwise mowing is limited to small areas around the venue

• Electricity for lighting the Arena and Campdraft Arena, used in kitchens, bars and toilets etc is recouped from hirers

• Use of the stables for overnight camping requires the stable to be cleaned and the waste placed in a set location for occasional disposal

• Council staff will receive bookings from within existing resources.

• Council staff will develop a web page for the venue on Council’s existing website

• There are no security services required for the site

• All cleaning during and after an event is the responsibility of the hirer. This includes waste disposal. If this does not occur Council retains the cleaning bond levied at the time of booking

• Toilets are only opened for events, not for casual use

• No Council rates are payable

• Technical inspections (e.g. fi re extinguishers) are combined with existing Council processes

• The fi rst year should be considered as a ramp up year and projections mostly closely relate to Year 2 onwards.

Income Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 NotesMajor Sponsor (or Large Signs x 2) 10,000.00$ 10,000.00$ 10,000.00$ 10,000.00$ 10,000.00$ Five year contract at fixed priceInternal Signs 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$ Ten panelsCasual Membership Adult 4,000.00$ 4,300.00$ 4,622.50$ 4,969.19$ 5,341.88$ Growth of 7.5% p.a.40 membersCasual Membership Child 1,000.00$ 1,075.00$ 1,155.63$ 1,242.30$ 1,335.47$ Growth of 7.5% p.a.20 members

Commercial Hire (non-equestrian) 2,800.00$ 2,800.00$ 2,800.00$ 2,800.00$ 2,800.00$ Two commercial event days / yearNational Title (2 day event) -$ -$ 1,700.00$ -$ One event every five years

ACA School 850.00$ 850.00$ 850.00$ 850.00$ 850.00$ A school or cliinc held by local ACA Day Hire Equestrian Event 4,250.00$ 4,250.00$ 4,250.00$ 4,250.00$ 4,250.00$ Five existing event days/ yearAnnual Campdraft 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ One existing two-day event

Day Hire Local Club Event 3,600.00$ 3,600.00$ 3,600.00$ 3,600.00$ 3,600.00$ Existing club event days plus three new days

Overnight stabling and camping (unpowered) 3,750.00$ 3,750.00$ 3,750.00$ 3,750.00$ 3,750.00$ 150 event/ days per year. 3 days/ week

Total 32,500.00$ 32,875.00$ 34,978.13$ 33,711.48$ 34,177.35$

ExpensesArena Surface Preparation 13,500.00$ 13,500.00$ 13,500.00$ 13,500.00$ 13,500.00$ General Maintenance -$ 4,500.00$ 4,725.00$ 4,961.25$ 5,209.31$

Pre-event cleaning and cleaning supplies 3,000.00$ 3,000.00$ 3,000.00$ 3,000.00$ 3,000.00$ Clean only before events. Multi-day events only cleaned once

Mowing and landscaping 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$ Replace blown light globes -$ -$ 2,000.00$ -$ 2,000.00$ Water and sewerage 2,500.00$ 2,500.00$ 2,500.00$ 2,500.00$ 2,500.00$

Electricity supply and use 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ All event electricity use is passed through.

Advertising and promotion 3,000.00$ 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ Totals 29,000.00$ 32,500.00$ 34,725.00$ 32,961.25$ 35,209.31$

Profit / Loss (negative number is a loss) 3,500.00$ 375.00$ 253.13$ 750.23$ 1,031.97-$

Figure 5: Expected fi nancial scenario

32

Income Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 NotesMajor Sponsor (or Large Signs x 2) 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$ Five year contract at fixed priceInternal Signs 4,000.00$ 4,000.00$ 4,000.00$ 4,000.00$ 4,000.00$ Ten panelsCasual Membership Adult 3,000.00$ 3,150.00$ 3,307.50$ 3,472.88$ 3,646.52$ Growth of 5% p.a. 30 membersCasual Membership Child 750.00$ 787.50$ 826.88$ 868.22$ 911.63$ Growth of 5% p.a. 15 members

Commercial Hire (non-equestrian) 1,400.00$ 1,400.00$ 1,400.00$ 1,400.00$ 1,400.00$ One commercial event day / yearNational Title (2 day event) -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ Nil

ACA School 850.00$ 850.00$ 850.00$ 850.00$ 850.00$ A school or cliinc held by local ACADay Hire Equestrian Event 4,250.00$ 4,250.00$ 4,250.00$ 4,250.00$ 4,250.00$ Five existing event days/ yearAnnual Campdraft 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ One existing two-day event

Day Hire Local Club Event 3,000.00$ 3,000.00$ 3,000.00$ 3,000.00$ 3,000.00$ 15 existing club days / year

Overnight stabling and camping (unpowered) 2,500.00$ 2,500.00$ 2,500.00$ 2,500.00$ 2,500.00$ 100 events per year (2 per week)Total 23,250.00$ 23,437.50$ 23,634.38$ 23,841.09$ 24,058.15$

ExpensesArena Surface Preparation 13,500.00$ 13,500.00$ 13,500.00$ 13,500.00$ 13,500.00$ Six days/ week x 30 minutesGeneral Maintenance -$ 4,000.00$ 4,200.00$ 4,410.00$ 4,630.50$





Profit / Loss (negative number is a loss) 3,650.00-$ 6,462.50-$ 8,465.63-$ 6,468.91-$ 8,472.35-$

IIncome Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 NotesMajor Sponsor (or Large Signs x 2) 15,000.00$ 15,000.00$ 15,000.00$ 15,000.00$ 15,000.00$ Five year contract at fixed priceInternal Signs 6,000.00$ 6,000.00$ 6,000.00$ 6,000.00$ 6,000.00$ Ten panelsCasual Membership Adult 5,000.00$ 5,500.00$ 6,050.00$ 6,655.00$ 7,320.50$ Growth of 10% p.a. 50 membersCasual Membership Child 1,250.00$ 1,375.00$ 1,512.50$ 1,663.75$ 1,830.13$ Growth of 10% p.a. 25 members

Commercial Hire (non-equestrian) 4,200.00$ 4,200.00$ 4,200.00$ 4,200.00$ 4,200.00$ Three commercial event days/ yearNational Title (2 day event) -$ -$ 1,700.00$ -$ 1,700.00$ Two events every five years

ACA School 850.00$ 850.00$ 850.00$ 850.00$ 850.00$ A school or cliinc held by local ACA Day Hire Equestrian Event 5,100.00$ 5,100.00$ 5,100.00$ 5,100.00$ 5,100.00$ Six - an extra event day/ yearAnnual Campdraft 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ One existing two-day event

Day Hire Local Club Event 4,000.00$ 4,000.00$ 4,000.00$ 4,000.00$ 4,000.00$ Twenty club event days / year (five above current number)

Overnight stabling and camping (unpowered) 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$ 200 event days/ year 4 per weekTotal 42,400.00$ 43,025.00$ 45,412.50$ 44,468.75$ 47,000.63$

ExpensesArena Surface Preparation 13,500.00$ 13,500.00$ 13,500.00$ 13,500.00$ 13,500.00$ General Maintenance -$ 5,000.00$ 5,250.00$ 5,512.50$ 5,788.13$





Profit / Loss (negative number is a loss) 10,300.00$ 7,925.00$ 8,062.50$ 8,856.25$ 9,112.50$

Figure 6: Lower use fi nancial scenario Figure 7: Higher use fi nancial scenario

Operational Cash FlowsOperational cash flows have been prepared using data from the benchmarking, industry rates and discussion with peak bodies, operators and user organisations.

The expected scenario, with only moderate effort on behalf of Council, is detailed in Figure 5. Lower and higher scenarios are shown in Figures 6 and 7. These latter two scenarios change some of the variables to reflect a different operating scenario.

For all scenarios the following rates were applied (GST excluded):

• casual membership adult—$100/ year

• casual membership child—$50/ year

• commercial hire (non-equestrian)—$1,400/ day

• day hire equestrian event—$850/ day

• day hire campdraft event—$500/ day

• day hire local club event—$200/ day

• stables and camping (non-powered with showers) for one horse—$25/ day

The equestrian day rate is close to the current rate at $833.10 (incl. GST) for the hire of the rodeo arena. The campdraft rate again is slightly higher than the current rate which is $476.40/ day including GST.

The rates for casual membership are designed to allow local residents access to the facility during daylight hours when it is not being used for an event or maintenance. Use would be non-exclusive so they would need to share the facility if more than one person was in attendance.

The camping rate is for a non-powered site near the stables allowing a person and their horse to stay the night. Additional

people and horses would incur additional fees. Access to the showers and toilets would be allowed.

The expected operating scenario as shown in Figure 5 is essentially a break-even scenario. However, to achieve this it is worth noting:

• Income strongly relies on achieving a major sponsor (or two large sign sales @$5,000 each) for the venue at $10,000 / year and selling ten advertising panels at $500/ each year.

• It has been assumes that 40 adults will take out annual casual memberships and 20 children and that this will grow by 7.5% p.a. over the fi ve years.

• That one national title is achieved in the fi ve year period.

• The ACA hires the campdraft arena for one day per year for a school or clinic

• Current user organisations keep their usage at the same

levels plus three additional days

• Camping by one person with one horse is factored at approximately three nights per week

• A moderate advertising and promotions budget is included.

• Most water used on the site is captured from the roof of the venue. If sewerage is recycled on-site then these charges may be lowered signifi cantly

• No maintenance expenses in Year 1 as everything is covered by 12 months builder’s warranty

• Most electricity use is passed through to hirers as is post-event cleaning services and waste disposal

• There has been no charge for the use of a stable during events though it is noted that many facilities do charge for this service.

Section 6: Financial Analysis



Figures 6 and 7 show lower and higher use scenarios with hire rates, as detailed above, being the same.

The operating result for the lower use scenario shows a loss of around $6,500—$8,500/ year while the higher use scenario shows profi ts in the order of $8,000—$9,000/ year.

The difference between the expected use scenario and the lower use scenario are:

• achieving only $5,000 per year for sponsorship (or one large sign sale) and $400/ year for each of the ten advertising panels

• less take up of casual memberships—30 adults and 15 children growing at 5% p.a. instead of 40 adults and 20 children growing at 7.5% p.a.

• only a single commercial day hire instead of two

• no national titles are secured during the fi ve years

• local use is the same as at present and exhibits no growth

• stabling and camping for only two nights a week.

The difference between the expected use scenario and the higher use scenario are:

• achieving $15,000 per year for sponsorship or large sign sales and $600/ year for each of the ten advertising panels

• greater take up of casual memberships—50 adults and 20 children growing at 10% p.a. instead of 40 adults and 20 children growing at 7.5% p.a.

• three days commercial hire per year instead of two days

• two national titles of two days each being secured over the fi ve years

• local use grows by fi ve days per year over the current use

• there are four nights of camping/ stabling per week

It is worth comparing these results with the Charters Towers (Dalrymple Arenas) facility to see why they are a somewhat better result.

Some of the reasons, or differences, appear to be:

• Dalrymple Arenas do not sell sponsorships or advertising

• there is very little revenue obtained from local casual use. The Council only charges $10/ year for unlimited use outside of events for local residents

• there is no water capture and reuse

• there is less pass through of costs for cleaning, electricity and waste disposal

• hire fees are lower than recommended for Bassett Park

• there is no Easter in the Country or similar event that takes out a three day hire

• there are fewer local clubs using the facility

• there are no camping facilities hence no revenue from this activity.

To achieve a break-even result will require some effort on Council’s behalf to achieve sponsorships and to sell advertising. If these are not achieved then the bottom line results are quite affected. However, given some of the industry and activity in the Maranoa region at present achieving these results is considered quite possible.

Alternative Fee ModelThe fee model used in calculating operational cash flow is similar to that in place at Bassett Park now and at most other venues visited as part of the benchmarking.

An alternative method for charging fees could be:

• charge a basic hire fee to all hirers e.g. $200/ day

• levy a per capita charge for all spectators (and perhaps contestants) at a low level—say $1 or $2/ head

• build this per capita fee into the ticket price

In this model, larger events, that effectively use more of the centre’s resources are paying more, reflecting the greater costs borne by the building’s owners (Maranoa Regional Council).

Other advantages include lowering the risks for hirers as they only pay for the number of attendees (and the fee is built into the ticket price) and reducing the fees for small events making them more viable.

For this model to work there needs to be some level of security so that all people pay an entrance fee and some form of ticket numbering so that a fee can be calculated.

Council should consider this model when developing a fee structure for the Multi-purpose Equestrian Centre.



Section 7: Design Information

Alternate DesignsWhile the design in the 2013 Master Plan has been recognised by Maranoa Regional Council following its adoption by Council in December 2013 a second and third option have been prepared following this study which incorporate some of the learnings from the benchmarking and consultation.

Both of the new designs separate the main arena from the campdraft arena. In the original design the two areas abutted each other. The campdraft arena was to rely on temporary yards constructed under the arena roof. The main purpose of this was to provide some sun protection for workers and livestock.

However, this design restricted seating options to formal seating with only a very limited space to watch events while mingling socially, perhaps near the bar or canteen.

The alternate designs shown here are modelled somewhat on the Dalrymple Arenas at Charters Towers and the new Cloncurry Equestrian Centre.

Alternate Design 1Figure 8 to Figure 11 show the fi rst design. In this design the two arenas are separated by a large bank that allows viewing of either the campdraft arena or into the main arena. On the bank is a canteen, bar and offi ce sharing one building in the central space

with toilets at the far end. A roof provides sun and rain protection for most of the length of the bank. The bank is graded to allow disability access along a path.

To allow the embankment the main arena has been rotated 900 to be almost aligned north-south. The campdraft arena is also rotated 450 so that the camp is located in the north west corner.

In the main arena, between the top of the mound and the arena, is a mix of formal seating (which can be concrete terraces, bleachers or bucket style seats) and a section of grassed embankment. Concrete bleachers would be the easiest to clean though the steel bleachers would be almost as easy. Bucket seats are more diffi cult and may need a hand wash, making them the most expensive when preparing the venue for an event. They are also the least effi cient in use of space but they are the most comfortable.

The stock yards remain shared between the two venues.

This design has not been costed. It is proposed only as an option to be considered at detailed design stage.

Figure 8: Internal view across arena to the embankment Figure 9: View from the south east over the campdraft arena

Figure 11: View from the south west over the car park and main arenaFigure 10: View from the north showing the central embankment

36

Alternate Design 2The second alternate design is similar to the fi rst alternate design but has been modifi ed after consultation with the APRA and Gill Brothers. It can be found at Figures 12 and 13.

Both organisations recommended that the rodeo chutes be located on the short side of the facility at the northern end.

They also recommended that no permanent rodeo chutes be provided and that they either be stored elsewhere on site or provided by the stock contractors. Part of the reason for this is to reduce capital and operational costs as well as keeping the facility as flexible as possible.

Adopting these suggestions has allowed the design to:

• reduced the extent of the permanent yards and their maintenance

• allowed for a grassed bank on the western side (shown to half way but could be longer) which has greatly increased casual seating options

• increased the flexibility of the venue.

Figure 12: View from the north showing the central embankment and the embankment to the west

Figure 13: View from the south west over the car park and main arena with casual mound seating in the foreground adjacent to the arena

Section 7: Design Information



Architect’s BriefThere are now three concept designs for the Multi-purpose Equestrian Centre. As an initial step the architect needs to work with Council and the community to establish the preferred design for detailed development.

The outputs need to allow Council to seek Development Approval so they should provide all detail necessary for Council to lodge the Application.

Facilities

The design for the Multi-purpose Equestrian Centre needs to encompass:

1. a 40m x 80m sand arena with a stabilised base

2. a campdraft arena with fences (1800mm) and yards (note: yards are shared with the main arena)

3. a roof structure over the arena and the seated area with lighting and an arena surface irrigation system. Design is to be open-sided though louvres may be added on the western and northern sides to block the setting sun. The roof is to allow natural light suffi cient that no artifi cial lighting is required during daylight hours

4. lighting of the campdraft arena and safety lighting across the site

5. a central mound between the arenas that has a roof structure for shade, a central building incorporating a canteen, bar, fi rst aid room and an offi ce. The area is to have a concrete floor

6. seating along the mound, either concrete terraces with or without bleachers. Artifi cial turf to the sections of mound within the roof area that are not developed for seating

7. public toilets near the central mound for spectators, including disabled toilets. Consider a unisex design to maximise effi ciency

8. competitors’ toilets and showers in the camping area. Consider a unisex design to maximise effi ciency

9. powered sites in the camping area suited to 70 (eventually) camping sites. Consider also the feasibility of a sewerage dump point at each location

10. stables in the camping area. A limited number (no more than 10) should be for stallions, Others can be a regular design. A fi nal number needs to be determined with the Design Committee

11. disability grade paths where necessary

12. extensive car parks

13. a ring road suited to double trailer road trains, including cattle grids off McPhie Street. An extension across the gully to the camping area also needs to be designed

14. security fencing along McPhie Street

15. a PA system for use in the covered arena with roaming microphones

16. three-phase power outlets at various points in the covered arena

17. allow for a rainwater tank of suffi cient size to allow for arena surface irrigation. It should be attached to the main arena roof. Consider whether it can also provide suffi cient water to the toilets and other areas in preference to the a mains connection

18. a means to measure the electricity consumed during events for lighting and use of facilities so that it can be charged back to hirers.

Materials

All buildings, yards and structures, should, as far as possible, avoid painted surfaces or surfaces that will degrade with time. The aim is to make the whole venue as maintenance free as possible with a long asset life. Materials such as galvanised steels, coated materials, colorbond, aluminium and concrete are preferred.

Toilets are to be mainly colorbond, galvanised steel, stainless steel (bowls and sinks) and concrete design so that they can be cleaned easily with a high pressure hose.

StagingThe design should allow for staging as proposed in this report if there are insuffi cient funds to complete the facility.

Stage 1, at a minimum, should comprise the campdraft arena, rodeo arena, fencing and yards, scorer’s/ judge’s/ announcer’s box, lights to the main arena1 and campdraft arena (which may require an electricity upgrade), a minimum number of stables (probably 20 with fi ve being stallion grade), gravel roads and car parks, and the central viewing mound.

Following stages can:

• place weather proof seating on the eastern mound

• build the shelter on top of the eastern mound with the bar, canteen, offi ce and fi rst aid room

• add public toilets

• add competitors’ toilets and showers

• add electricity/ water and sewer bollards to the camping area

• build more stables

• construct a storage building

• include a warm-up arena

• add additional portable seats (some will be relocated from the existing rodeo arena)

• seal the car park

• build the western mound and turf

• build a roof over the equestrian arena with lights and sprinklers; large water tank to capture roof water

• add the PA system

• erect site fencing along McPhie Street

• landscape the fi nished areas as they are completed.

The Stage 1 outlined above is similar to the new Cloncurry Equestrian Centre that opened this month (July 2014) and had a construction cost of $2.5 million. Maranoa Regional Council should expect a similar cost.

1 these lights should be capable of reuse on a sports fi eld when they are superseded by lights under the arena roof

multi-purpose equestrian complex - my maranoa€¦ · the data, representations, assumptions and...

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